ZOOM WORKSHOP RECORDING
Date: April 14, 2027
Instructor:  Nathan Vierling-Claassen
 
Workshop Description: 
Out of the box, a Rigid Heddle loom is set up “only” for plain weave, but with some creativity and a bit of know-how, you can weave 3- and 4- shaft drafts on this simple loom. If you are already a RH weaver, learning to convert weaving drafts opens up a new world of weaving resources for your exploration, allowing you to adapt drafts from workshop materials, books, and online libraries, without having to buy a new loom. If you are a multishaft weaver looking for a more portable weaving option, learning how to convert drafts for RH empowers you to make the structures you already love on this simple equipment, with a side benefit of helping you more deeply understand how a particular fabric really fits together.
 
In this online workshop, we’ll discuss techniques for using heddle rods and multiple heddles, how to make an RH-style threading and lift plan, and strategies for warping. Note that if you decide to try weaving your converted drafts, you’ll only need to add two or three ½” dowels and some string heddles to your existing RH loom, though if you decide to go all-in, additional heddles for your particular loom can be helpful.
 
Students are requested to bring to class:
Handout printout
Colored pencils or markers
Pencil
 
Supplies for adapting your RH Loom for multishaft weaving if you decide to try it:
Minimal Set:
Three ½” dowels for heddle rods, slightly wider than your loom width
String for tying string heddles (smooth mercerized crochet cotton works well, #3 or #10)
 
Additional Useful Items:
1 or 2 additional heddles for your loom in your preferred sett
Binder rings, useful when threading heddle rods
Pickup sticks (1 or 2)
Hand mirror (for checking shed)
Masking tape (for securing heddles on rod)
 
Attendee Limit: Unlimited
Prerequisites: Experience weaving plain weave on a rigid heddle or multi-shaft loom; some familiarity with how to read drafts is a plus
 
Instructor Bio: Nathan Vierling-Claassen has loved fiber crafts of all types since young childhood, first learning to weave as a preschooler on a potholder loom. He worked in restoration of museum-quality textiles early in his career, but didn’t take up weaving in earnest until 2021 when he joined the Weavers’ Guild of Boston via the New and Occasional Weavers study group. As a long-time tinkerer and trained mathematician, Nathan particularly loves exploring how complex or interesting structures can be generated using simple equipment. He received the WGB Apprentice rating in 2023, completing nearly all of the ratings requirements on a Rigid Heddle, and has received multiple first-place and first-time entrant awards at NEWS 2026 for RH-woven items.