This is a reproduction of the heddle from Turkuu, Finland. This is, at the present time, the oldest heddle found in Finland. It dates to the fifteenth century and is made of birch wood. It has holes and slots for 19 warp ends.
This is another of Robin Goatey's lovely creations. See the dancinggoats studio .
I have tried it using a 16/2 linen warp. I designed the first pattern but I was not happy with it when I wove it. I cut off the warp and rethreaded it and tried again. The second combination did not seem quite right.
Finally, with very little warp left I tried again. This time I was happier with the colour order but only 18 warp ends were used.
The two single centre warp ends are a doubled thread. The weft is the mid orange colour so that it shows on both selvedges.
The woven band is 8mm in width.
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| Close up of the woven band |
It is fascinating using old designs of rigid heddles to weave. There is so much to be learned from trying out the form of an heddle.
Happy weaving
Susan J Foulkes March 2025
