Coming soon: The first Software for Rigid Heddle Weavers!
Not So Rigid DesignerWeaving Softwarepick-upSubscribers to my newsletter will know that I’ve been working on some software for planning projects for rigid heddle looms, but now it’s time to shout it from the rooftops as I approach launch!
Not So Rigid Designer is online weaving software for rigid heddle weavers. To start with, I have focused on designing pick up patterns, in a format that resembles a weaving draft for shaft looms but that I’ve adapted for rigid heddle looms and the unique abilities of pick up sticks. The Pick Up Designer tool currently supports working with up to 6 pick up patterns, some basic color editing, and can use fancy threading patterns like doubling the yarn in some or all slots or holes. This tool is just a start for the platform and I have some ideas for the future around making threading diagrams for multiple heddles, converting shaft loom drafts, improving the pick up designer, and more.
I am very close to launching the beta, which will be free for a bit to work out initial kinks, get feedback, write some documentation and tutorials, and add a few more features. To be the first to know when it’s live, subscribe to my newsletter using the form at the bottom of this page! After the beta, it will be a paid tool starting at $25 USD per year so that I can cover my costs and devote more time to it.
So far as I can tell, this is the only software designed specifically for rigid heddle looms - there are a number of different programs around shaft looms, and some online tools for inkle and tablet weaving, but rigid heddle looms are different and deserve their own tools!
It runs online, in your web browser, and doesn’t require installing anything and should work on all devices; designing on the small screen of a phone may be difficult but it should work fine on tablets.
Check out Not So Rigid Designer, the online weaving software for rigid heddle loom weavers!
