PLEASE NOTE: I don't accept credit cards, telephone orders, rush orders, or orders from outside the USA. Thanks for your patience and understanding. You can click here for a list of suppliers who carry my books, accept credit cards, and ship internationally.
Please Weave a Message:Instructions and Graphs for Tablet-Woven Calligraphy
by Linda Hendrickson
$28.00 including shipping
Watch my videos to see how I weave letters and to view the pangram bands used to illustrate the letters in my book.
144 pages, comb-bound. Instructions for the double-faced weave, and graphs for letters based on six Roman alphabets: Uncial, the early Christian alphabet; Textura Quadrata, a 14th century Gothic hand; 15th century Humanist Bookhand; Italic, the fine Italian hand; Legend, a typeface with an Arabic feeling designed by Ernst Schneidler; and Gill Sans, a modern sans-serif typeface designed by Eric Gill. For each alphabet, several words are graphed and ready to use, including peace, hope, love, and weave.
Instead of weaving each alphabet from a to z, I have composed and woven pangrams, sentences that contain all the letters of the alphabet. The book also includes a tutorial for using Excel to create graphs.
Graphs for Upper and Lower Case Letters Based on Gill Sansby Linda Hendrickson
$ 5.00 including shipping
Graphs for both upper and lower case letters based on Gill Sans, using 24 tablets. I recently designed the capital letters, and am making them available here, together with the lower case letters, which are from my book, Please Weave a Message (above).
These pages do not include information on how to read the graphs or weave. If you need this information, it is covered in Please Weave a Message.
Watch my video Tablet Weaving: Graphing and Weaving Letters to see how I weave letters in the double-faced weave.
A note for tablet weaving teachers: If you would like to use these graphs for classes, please contact me for details.
Double-Faced Tablet Weaving: 50 Designs from Around the Worldby Linda Hendrickson
$21.00 including shipping
120 pages, comb-bound. Complete instructions for making a continuous warp and for the double-faced weave, large graphs with a helpful tablet count field, front and back of all designs shown full-size, tips for avoiding and correcting mistakes and for graphing your own designs. Designs are from the crafts of many different cultures and times, and a reference for the source of inspiration is listed for each design. Most designs need 48 tablets, and some need 56 tablets. Examples of inspiration include a fanciful monkey from a Nazca shirt (Peru), interlaced designs from Bushongo cut pile raffia cloth (Zaire), Hmong reverse applique (Laos), Medieval embroidery (Finland), Bedouin tent hangings (Jordan), and Pueblo pottery (USA).
If you aren't hooked on double-faced by this book, you are probably unhookable!
-- Peter Collingwood, in the foreword to the book.
Tablet Weaving for Parents and Childrenby Linda Hendrickson
$5.00 including shipping
16 pages, 5-1/2"x8-1/2", self-published in 1995. An easy and inexpensive way for anyone to get started with tablet weaving. Complete instructions for making a continuous warp, how to flip and rotate the tablets for geometric designs in warp twining, step-by-step directions for weaving a flat band and a seamless tube. Ideas for weaving a friendship bracelet, shoelaces, and bookmarks.
Two-Hole Andean Pebble Weave for ages 10 and upby Linda Hendrickson
$8.00 including shipping
28 pages, 5-1/2"x8-1/2", self-published in 2004. This booklet is a follow-up to my article "Tablet Weaving with Children", Handwoven, November/December 2003, p. 43. Complete instructions for making a continuous warp for pebble weave, and for weaving charming traditional Andean designs with tablets. I created the graphs by analyzing bands in my collection from Peru, and also designed an alphabet for this booklet. Several words are graphed and ready to weave. All graphs are for 16 tablets. The normal corner holes are not used. Instead, use a hole puncher to make holes in the center of two adjacent edges (or you can order the tablets with extra holes). Each tablet carries one dark and one light thread. To weave, just turn the tablets individually or in groups to make the top of the shed match the row of the graph.
Tubular Cardwoven Neckpieces: Modern Adornment from an Ancient Weaving Technique by Linda Hendrickson
$17.00 including shipping
Watch a segment from my companion video on how to make a continuous warp .
40 pages, 8-1/2"x 11", published by Robin & Russ Handweavers in 1994. My first book, with instructions for making the "10-minute warp", how to flip and turn the tablets for simple geometric patterns in warp twining, how to weave a tube, hints on designing necklaces, and a variety of necklaces shown in color.
The Techniques of Tablet Weavingby Peter Collingwood
$40.00 including shipping
This book, originally published in 1982 and reprinted in 2002, remains the most comprehensive book on the subject. This is my favorite tablet weaving book, which I have studied off and on since 1993, but have not yet managed to read all the way through. I have most carefully read the large chapter on the double-faced weaves, and this book has been a great inspiration to me in my own writing on that subject.
320 pages, paperback edition with same text as the original but new format; 232 B&W photos, 242 illustrations. Historical introduction, equipment, a variety of warping methods, warp twining, plain weave, hopsack, gauze, twill, double-face, double cloth, triple cloth, brocade, tapestry, velvet, and special warp and weft manipulations.
Card Weavingby Candace Crockett
$25.00 including shipping
Revised edition published by Interweave Press, 141 pages, 1991. This is one of the best books for beginners. I particularly recommend Chapter 6, Dark and Light Patterning, which introduced me to continuous warping, and arranging and turning the tablets for constantly changing warp-twined and double-faced designs.
Tablet Weaving Magic: Patterns from Oriental Countries and 25 Patterns in Plain Tablet Weaveby Otfried Staudigel
$55.00 including shipping
250 pages, paperback, self-published in 2000 with text in both English and German. Otfried Staudigel has been teaching tablet weaving for over 50 years. In this book, he clearly explains his methods, and presents instructions and graphs for weaving beautiful traditional designs from Asia. The section on double-faced designs includes Persian bands with peacocks, flowers, and the tree of life; as well as Burmese bands with incense burners, parasols, bells, birds, people, birds, and animals. The section on warp-twined bands (the "plain tablet weave" of the title) includes a valuable and detailed description of using the continuous warping method for patterns determined by the threading; this involves cutting and tying on new colors as needed. The 25 patterns include the Running Dog, Ram's Horn, and Star of David.
Woven Images, Unravelled Motifs:Double-Faced Tablet-Woven Bands from Burma, Tibet and Tunisia
by Otfried Staudigel
$60.00 including shipping
192 pages, paperback, self-published in 2008 with text in both English and German. In this book, Otfried Staudigel continues his valuable work that he first shared in Tablet-Woven Magic, this time exclusively focusing on double-faced bands. The majority of graphs in this book are from Burmese manuscript binding ribbons known as sazigyo. These designs include several examples of the Zey Yattu, the opening prayer for good auspices, and many other images important in Buddhist iconography that appear on sazigyo, including a variety of animals, frogs, fish, trees and flowers, gongs, bells, nats (spiritual beings), and ritual objects. Otfried has researched meanings of the images, and shares this information in the text that accompanies the graphs.
I have one sazigyo in my textile collection, and you can click here to learn more and see some examples of typical motifs.
On-Loom Cardweaving: A Modern Extension of an Ancient Craftby Herbi Gray
$10.00 including shipping
60 pages, self-published in 1982. This book inspired my "Spaced-Out Warp" workshops, and tablet-woven scarves. You can use a loom to tension the warp, as described in the book, or you can use tensioning blocks with a length of reed hanging on the warp. The reed is used to beat every pick so you can create soft, even airy fabrics. About half of the book is devoted to instructions for turning the tablets to produce a sampler which includes balanced plain weave, leno variations, log cabin, double weave, honeycomb, warp floats, twisted or displaced warp groups, and simultaneous use of more than one technique. Lots of black & white photos and illustrations, and many wonderful ideas for a creative person to explore. Note: The staples are a little rusty, but otherwise in excellent condition.
Card Weaving or Tablet Weavingby Russell Groff
$12.00 including shipping
This is a funky classic, with 53 patterns determined by the threading, first published in 1969, with the 10th printing in 2003. Designs range from some of the classic geometrics to novelty ones including Santa Claus, cowboys, children holding hands, pumpkins, and jack-o-lanterns. I think children would especially like the novelty designs, and you could do all sorts of fun seasonal things with many of these designs. The pattern drafts could be transferred to Excel or a tablet weaving program to make them easier to use.
Instructions show how to prepare a warp using a warping board. The warp ends are cut and the cards are threaded one hole at a time following a pattern draft. Although this has been a common way to set up for designs determined by the threading, there are more efficient ways to do this. One is to use Peter Collingwood's threading device shown in his book Techniques of Tablet Weaving, and another is a variation of the continuous warp shown in Otfried Staudigel's Tablet-Woven Magic.
Weave a Neckpiece with Linda Hendrickson
$24.00 including shipping
Watch the segment from this video on how to make a continuous warp .
This 43-minute DVD is a visual companion to my book Tubular Cardwoven Neckpieces. It was produced by Nancy Harvey of Victorian Video Productions in 1996.
This DVD is an excellent introduction to basic tablet weaving, even if you don't want to weave a neckpiece. It contains step-by-step instructions for making a continuous warp, flipping and turning tablets to create geometric designs in warp twining, weaving a flat band and a tube, and creating jewelry by adding findings and beads.
"Weave a Neckpiece" is smoothly presented and easy to follow...This process is much easier to understand when you see it..." -- Madelyn van der Hoogt, Weaver's magazine.
How to Make Ply-Split Basketsby Linda Hendrickson
$35.00 including shipping
New book! Self-published, 180 pages, over 400 black & white photos, 8-1/2" x 11", comb-bound. The first book on the subject of ply-splitting as a basket technique, How to Make Ply-Split Baskets has step-by-step photos and detailed instructions for 12 baskets. I used Wraphia II paper ribbon in Kraft and Black to make cords for all of these baskets so the focus would be on structure and design. Instructions include specifications for cordmaking, and you can make cords from anything you wish. Concepts in the book include various starts and rim finishes, how to create different ply-split structures, and how to make geometric designs. Once you understand the concepts in this book, you can use your knowledge to create your own ply-split basket designs.
![[cover of Great SCOT!]](ply-split-book-great-scot-thumbnail.jpg)
Great SCOT!A Beginner's Guide to Ply-Split Braids
in Single Course Oblique Twining
by Linda Hendrickson
$8.00 including shipping
Self-published, 28 pages, 5-1/2"x8-1/2". SCOT is a technique in which one cord is pulled through many to create textured and colored ridges as well as angles and curves. This booklet begins with instructions for making the tightly-twisted 4-ply cords needed for ply-split braiding. Includes procedures for making cords with a drill and a single hook, and with 4-hook twisters, and has suggestions for many decorative cords. Step-by-step directions for making a variety of shaped braids and star ornaments.
The Techniques of Ply-Split Braidingby Peter Collingwood
$65.00 including shipping
Bellew Publishing and Unicorn Press, 208 pages of text and illustrations plus 120 B&W photos, 1998. The result of over 10 years of research and several trips to India. 208 pages of text, 196 diagrams by Ann and Ralph Norman, 120 B&W photographs of traditional ply-split camel girths and their makers, and Peter's innovative samples. Clear instructions for making cords and for many variations of each of the three different ply-split braiding techniques, plain oblique twining (POT), single course oblique twining (SCOT), and two-layered oblique interlacing (TLOI). Ply-split braiding offers exciting possibilities for jewelry, baskets, mats, rugs, and wall hangings.
Beyond Tradition: Contemporary Ply-Split Fiber SculptureLinda Hendrickson, Peter Collingwood, and Martha Stanley
$12.00 including shipping
40 pages, 5"x7", 25 black and white photos, published by Contemporary Crafts Museum and Gallery, 2004. This is the catalog for the first exhibition of contemporary ply-splitting held in America, October 2-November 14, 2004, in Portland, Oregon. The exhibition was organized by Lisa Conte, and features the work of 11 invited artists, and 14 juried artists. The catalog includes a page for each artist with their statement and a photo of their work. This is a lovely catalog, and an important document in the history of ply-splitting.
Ply-Split Camel Girths of West Indiaby Betsy Quick and Judith Stein
$23.00 including shipping
Limited copies available of this out-of-print title
64 pages, 8-1/2" x 11", many black and white photos, diagrams, and instructions, published in 1982. This is the first book documenting the traditional ply-split braiding of the Thar Desert of India, and will be of interest to textile historians, collectors, and fiber artists. The field research was conducted in the late 1970s, when the authors were graduate students at UCLA. They stayed in India for several months, and spent countless hours with the ply-split braiding master Ishwar Singh. As part of their research, they photographed the traditional steps of preparing goat hair, including spinning it into yarn, plying the yarn into cords, and ply-splitting the cords into girths. The authors blazed the trail later followed by Peter Collingwood, whose comprehensive book, The Techniques of Ply-Split Braiding, was published in 1998.
Split-Ply Twiningby Virginia Harvey
$10.00 including shipping
46 pages, 8"x10-1/2", black and white photos, diagrams, and instructions, published in 1976. This is the first book on ply-splitting, and is based on the study of three camel girths worked in SCOT (single-course oblique twining). Virtually nothing was known about traditional ply-split braiding at this time. The works shown and described in this book, though based on SCOT camel girths, reflect the aesthetics of the 1970s, and are mostly organic fiber sculptures and wall pieces made with commercial yarn or rope. One photo shows a partially-completed rug worked in sectional SCOT with 8-ply acrylic yarn. This is a fascinating historical document, with ideas worth exploring today. The staples are slightly rusty, but otherwise in excellent condition.
Ply-Split Garlic Basketwith Linda Hendrickson
$24.00 including shipping
Watch excerpts from this video.
In this 47-minute DVD -- the first on the subject of ply-splitting -- I welcome you into my studio in Portland, Oregon, for a lesson in ply-split basket-making. First we have a look at two traditional goat-hair camel girths, and then I lead you step-by step through the process of making my ply-split garlic basket . You will learn how to use a gripfid and a commercially-made 3-ply paper cord called Danish cord, and how to create the ply-split structures SCOT (single-course oblique twining) and POT (plain oblique twining). When you finish, you will have a lovely basket for your garlic, or whatever else you might want to put inside!
My husband, John Brockway, whose career included over a dozen years as a director at the PBS station here in Portland, is the videographer and editor. He shot most of the DVD over my shoulder, and uses lots of close-ups so you can see the detail very clearly.
You can also order a kit with pre-cut cords and a 1/4" gripfid.
"I found the instructions very clear and easy to follow. You are a good teacher, and I especially liked seeing the historical samples which you showed. It is a wonderful DVD. It made me want to explore more ply splitting for baskets." -- Marilyn Moore, fiber artist and basketry teacher
Instructions for the Spiral Ply-Split Basket$6.00 including shipping
This is one of the 12 designs from my book How to Make Ply-Split Baskets.
Description: 10 pages of step-by-step instructions and 27 black and white photos. Cords are worked as a spiral SCOT braid, with an edge cord at the fell frequently splitting previously-worked braid to create a bowl shape. Instructions show how to finish by wrapping the braid with a Dark cord and unplying all cords. Alternatively, you can hide the cord ends. Finished dimensions: 2" tall x 5" wide, not including fringe.
Cord Specifications: 4-ply cords made from Wraphia II paper ribbon. Use 1 strand per ply with IOT shrinkage 15%. Cord diameter is approximately 1/8".
Number of cords and lengths: 4 cords (3 Dark and 1 Light), 120" long. Order cords
Gripfid: Size 9. Order gripfid
Instructions for the Waffle Ply-Split Basket$7.50 including shipping
This is one of the 12 designs from my book How to Make Ply-Split Baskets.
Description:12 pages of step-by-step instructions and 27 black and white photos. This basket is made with 2-ply, 2-color cords. The bottom and sides are worked in POT (plain oblique twining) with a full twist between the splittings. With 2-color cords, this results in the "waffle" appearance, with one color dominant on one side of the basket, and the other color dominant on the reverse.
A long 2-ply, 2-color cord creates a striped rim. It circles the basket 6 times. Finished dimensions: About 3-1/4" x 5".
Cord Specifications: 2-ply, 2-color cords made from Wraphia II paper ribbon. Two strands per ply with IOT shrinkage 15%. Cord diameter is approximately 1/8".
Number of cords and lengths: Body: 24 cords, 20" long. Rim cord: 2-ply, 2-color cord, same as body cords, 120" long. Order cords
Gripfid: Size 9. Order gripfid
Instructions for the Chameleon Ply-Split Basket$6.00 including shipping
This is one of the 12 designs from my book How to Make Ply-Split Baskets.
10 pages of step-by-step instructions and 22 black and white photos. The base for this basket starts with 2 cords, surrounded by concentric squares which increasingly curve as cords are added. Cylindrical sides increase in diameter as the basket grows by increasing the twist between splittings. Loops at the top edge, with all cord ends pulled back through the basket. Finished dimensions: 3-1/2" tall x 6" wide
Instructions for the Loopy Ply-Split Basket$6.00 including shipping
This is one of the 12 designs from my book How to Make Ply-Split Baskets.
10 pages of step-by-step instructions and 22 black and white photos. This basket starts with a flat, squarish base, using only Light cords, perpendicular to each other. The cords making up the base become spokes for the sides of the basket. One long decorative cord is used for sides and rim, which circles the basket as cord ends are pulled through it. Detailed instructions and photos for making the decorative cord are included. Finished dimensions: 2" tall" x 3-3/4" wide.
Instructions for the Venus Ply-Split Basket$10.00 including shipping
This is one of the 12 designs from my book How to Make Ply-Split Baskets.
16 pages of step-by-step instructions and 42 black and white photos. A 5-cord start leads to a pentagon and then to a 5-pointed star for the basket base. Shallow cylindrical sides have triangles extending from the star. A long rim cord circles the basket 5 times, as cord ends are pulled through it. Finished dimensions: 2-1/2" tall x 5" wide.
Instructions for the Arrowhead Ply-Split Basket$10.00 including shipping
This is one of the 12 designs from my book How to Make Ply-Split Baskets.
18 pages of step-by-step instructions and 44 black and white photos. A 6-cord start leads to the appearance of six arrowheads for the basket base. The design on the cylindrical sides have the appearance of fletching (the feathers on the end of arrows). A long rim cord circles the basket 4 times, as cord ends are pulled through it. Finished dimensions: 7-1/2" x 6-1/2".
Instructions for the Asilomar Ply-Split Basket$9.00 including shipping
This is one of the 12 designs from my book How to Make Ply-Split Baskets.
14 pages of step-by-step instructions and 33 black and white photos. This basket has an octagonal base and rounded, open sides with extra twist between the splittings. A long rim cord creates a rim by circling the basket four times, and ends in decorative knots. Decorative fringe around the rim. Finished Dimensions: About 3" x 9".
Instructions for the Ply-Split Business Card Holder$5.00 including shipping
This is one of the 12 designs from my book How to Make Ply-Split Baskets.
8 pages of step-by-step instructions and 21 black and white photos. The ply-split business card holder has a flat, rectangular base, with cords perpendicular to each other. Dark and Light cords are arranged and split following a pattern graph to create a zigzag design. A long rim cord, plied DLDL, forms the sides of the basket. The rim cord circles the basket 7 times, as cord ends are pulled through it. Finished dimensions: 4-1/2" long x 2-1/2" wide x 1-1/4" tall.
Instructions for the Ply-Split Letter Tray$8.00 including shipping
This is one of the 12 designs from my book How to Make Ply-Split Baskets.
12 pages of step-by-step instructions and 32 black and white photos. The ply-split Letter Tray starts with a flat, rectangular base, with cords perpendicular to each other. Dark and Light cords are arranged and split to create the appearance of an interlaced design. One long cord splits all of the other cords for several rounds to create sides. The long cord changes functions to become the rim cord as side cord ends are pulled through it. Cords are then unplied and trimmed. Finished dimensions: 5-1/2" x 11-1/2"; about 4" deep, including fringe.
Instructions for the Zig-Zag Ply-Split Basket$12.00 including shipping
This is one of the 12 designs from my book How to Make Ply-Split Baskets.
20 pages of step-by-step instructions and 41 black and white photos. Dark and Light cords are arranged and split following a pattern graph to create a zig-zag design. The tendency of cords to curve as they change function is encouraged and emphasized. The sides are worked in continuous twined linkings which gives stripes with an open, almost lacy appearance. Separate cords on each of the 4 sides create a square rim, with a tassel in each corner. Finished dimensions: 8" wide x 4" tall, not including tassels.
Instructions for the Firecracker Ply-Split Basket$15.00 including shipping
This is one of the 12 designs from my book How to Make Ply-Split Baskets.
26 pages of step-by-step instructions and 57 black and white photos. The Firecracker ply-split basket has identical hexagonal bases, placed one on top of the other. The Dark base is on the inside, and the Light base is on the outside. A ring of Dark cords outlines the bottom. The design on the basket sides is created following a pattern graph. A long Dark cord creates a rim. It circles the basket 6 times, as the Dark cord ends are pulled through it. Untwisted Light cords leap upward from the basket rim. Finished dimensions: 2" wide x 4-3/4" tall, not including untwisted Light cords.
Instructions for the 8-Pointed-Star Ply-Split Basket$9.00 including shipping
This is one of the 12 designs from my book How to Make Ply-Split Baskets.
14 pages of step-by-step instructions and 33 black and white photos. In the base of the 8-Pointed Star ply-split basket, cords are perpendicular to each other, and split to create the design. Background cords are strung on a knitting needle so they are aligned vertically. Design cords are added one at a time. Splittings follow a square pattern graph. Every splitting involves a Dark and a Light cord, and cords are split to match the pattern graph. The sides have extra twist between the splittings. A long cord creates a rim. It circles the basket 4 times, as cord ends are pulled through it. Finished dimensions: 3-1/4" tall x 9" wide.
Peter Collingwood Special EditionThe Journal for Weavers, Spinners and Dyers
$18.00 including shipping
Summer, 2009, 52 pages, 8" x 11-1/2". Peter Collingwood (1922-2008) was the most important British weaver of the last 50 years. This special edition of The Journal for Weavers, Spinners and Dyers gives a comprehensive insight into his technical knowledge and innovation by reprinting a collection of the most memorable articles which he wrote for the magazine over the years. There is also a touching tribute by his son, Jason Collingwood, an article by Ralph Isaacs on their shared love of sazigyo (Burmese tablet-woven manuscript binding ribbons), an interview conducted by Jennie Parry about ply-split braiding, and other delightful and personal tidbits. There are also lots of photos and even some of Peter's hand-drawn illustrations.
Back to Mail Order Index
Home
This page was updated on December 15, 2012.