How to Make an Inkle Loom

An Inkle Loom is a simple table top loom that can weave bands or strips of cloth. The word Inkle comes from the Scottish word that literally means narrow band. It is a simple loom to both make and use. Only beginning woodworking skills and a few tools are needed to assemble the pieces of the loom.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• One 2X2 inch Board - 30 inches long
• Two 2X2 inch boards - 9 and 1/2 inches long
• Two 1X2 inch boards - 8 inches long
• Five 3/4 Inch Dowels - 7 inches long
• Saw
• Drill
• 1 and 1/2 inch screws

1. Drill two holes large enough for the dowels in the 30 inch long board. The center of one hole must be one inch from each end.

2. Drill three holes in one of the 9 and 1/2 boards large enough for the dowels. The center of the first hole at one inch from an end, the second 5 and 1/4 inches, and the third at 7 inches.

3. Drill two holes in the other 9 and 1/2 board. The center of the first hole at one inch from one end, and the second at 7 inches from the same end.

4. Attach the two 8 inch long boards as feet to the 30 inch board with the screws. The holes in the 30 inch board should go through the board horizontally. This keeps the loom stable. The edge of one 8 inch board should be 9 and 1/2 inches from one end and the other 8 inch board should be 7 and 1/2 inches from the other end of the 30 inch board.

5. Attach the first 9 and 1/2 board with the three drilled holes to the 30 inch board perpendicularly. The two boards should make an upside down "T". Attach the two boards 14 and 1/2 inches from one end of the 30 inch board. Make sure the bottom of both the boards are flush.

6. Attach the second 9 and 1/2 inch board with the two drilled holes to the 30 inch board perpendicularly as well. Attach the two boards 6 and 1/2 inches from the opposite end of the 30 inch board that the first perpendicular board was measured from. Again, make sure the bottom of both the boards are flush.

7. Place the Five Dowels in the correct locations. Two dowels go in each hole drilled in the 30 inch board. Two dowels go into the top and middle holes in the first 9 and 1/2 inch board. The last dowel goes into the top hole of the second 9 and 1/2 inch board. Now you are ready to begin weaving.

Tips & Warnings

• For a cleaner look, the areas where the boards are attached can be drilled or chiseled out to create joints where the board be can attached.
• Finishing your loom by sanding and sealing the wood can get rid of places that yarn could catch and make it easier to weave.
• As with all woodworking projects, use protective gear when operating both the saw and drill.

Resources

• A website that covers everything on the Inkle Loom.

[p3aul]

on 1/12/2009 The instructions are not very clear as to exactly where to drill holes! Also, The instructions need pictures of the various steps