The Controversy Continues...Cards or Heddles?

When I started weaving ribbons, a.k.a. narrow wares, many folks I knew told me that card weaving was better. Or that "inkle" weaving was better. Or if I really wanted to weave, I should learn tablet weaving. Or that inkle is the only way to go. People tend to have strong opinions as to which is better.

As an FYI ... if someone says "inkle" they generally mean weaving on a peg loom with string heddles.

Although, what is currently known as inkle, actually means a narrow woven linen tape.

So for me, I try to clarify by saying I weave with string heddles or with cards/tablets.

Learning complex patterns using string heddles...

So, because of the controversy, for many years, I wove exclusively with string heddles and resisted learning how to tablet weave. To me, I could make complicated patterns with a variety of materials using string heddles on my loom.

My stubborn self felt the need to prove to myself I could indeed make whatever I wanted.

My second attempt at card weaving...

However, over the years, I have noticed there are some things "inkle" does not make. The thicker band and heavier weight are difficult to achieve with string heddles. There are patterns, although they *can* be made with string heddles, which are just easier when woven with cards.

String heddles to weave shoelaces...

For example, the weight and thickness of card weaving make excellent belts. The lighter, thinner string heddle weaving makes lovely trim for clothing. The heavier card woven band makes fabulous straps for instruments or bags. While the smaller, finer bands made using string heddles make fun shoelaces or lanyards.

"Inkle" bands (wine cork for scale)...

So recently I decided to learn how to tablet weave. I got myself a floor loom that had the extra space I wanted to turn the cards. I looked online and got a pattern. I asked my friend, Gyða, for advice and sent her copious pictures and instant messages.

Like any new-to-me skill, I found myself making lots of errors, big and small. And then learning how to fix them.

I remember explaining new skills to my children... the metaphor I used was breaking eggs. The first time one breaks an egg, usually, the thumb goes right through. With enough practice, one forgets that the thumb ended up in the middle of the egg, and cracking that egg becomes easy.

So each band I make now turns out better, and the skill I am learning will soon become muscle memory.

Tablet weaving in the sunshine...

As far as the controversy... string heddles or cards? I now enjoy them both and since each has different resulting bands, they both have a place in my repertoire. One is not better than the other... I believe each is useful in its own way.

Not trying to start an argument here... but... What do you think?