Board weaving

Tassel weaving is one of the oldest textile techniques in human history – using nothing more than a few small wooden, horn or bone looms and a few threads, you can create braids and ribbons that have adorned garments since the Bronze Age. Here you’ll find looms and matching accessories: from the starter set of 5 for beginners to the 12-piece set made of bone for authentic re-enactments.

What is tablet weaving – and where does the technique come from?

In tablet weaving, small, perforated tablets are used as weaving tools – the so-called weaving tablets, also known as weaving cards or weaving plates. For those wondering what a weaving tablet is called: in German-speaking specialist circles, ‘Webbrettchen’ is the most common term, though historically ‘Täfelchen’ or ‘Plättchen’ are also found. In English specialist literature, the term ‘tablet weaving cards’ is used.

The technique itself is remarkably ancient: archaeological evidence dates back to the Bronze Age. Finds from Egypt, Celtic Central Europe, Scandinavian burial sites from the Viking Age and medieval towns show that tablet weaving was widespread across many cultures and over thousands of years. The basic principle remained astonishingly consistent – and remains virtually unchanged to this day.

It is important to distinguish this from braid weaving on a loom: braids produced industrially or by hand on a loom are created using a different weaving principle. In reed weaving, the twisted reeds form the shed – this creates a characteristic twisted weave that gives reed-woven fabrics their particular strength and visual depth. A reed-woven braid is recognisable by the specific slant of its weave structure and is clearly distinguishable from tablet-woven machine imitations.

Reeds made of wood, horn or bone – a comparison of materials

The material affects not only the appearance but also the feel: wooden heddles feel slightly duller in the hand and grip the thread slightly, whilst horn and bone offer a silky gliding effect that is more comfortable during long weaving sessions. For authentic camp re-enactments and Viking clothing, bone heddles are the historically most accurate choice.

What is a reed braid? – Use in historical costume

A reed braid is the finished textile ribbon produced by reed weaving – in other words, the end product of the craft. Reed braids are characterised by their distinctive strength and visually appealing twill weave structure, which is difficult to replicate with machine-made braids.

In historical costume, reed-woven trims are typically used as edging on the hem, neckline, sleeves and belt. Archaeological textile finds from Scandinavia – such as those from Birka or Hedeby – provide particularly compelling evidence of the use of tablet-woven braids during the Viking Age and the early Middle Ages. There, they adorned woollen garments whilst also serving as a structural element that reinforced hems.

For Viking re-enactment outfits, a self-woven ribbon or one crafted according to historical patterns is a clear mark of quality that noticeably enhances the authentic appearance. Those who weave the ribbon themselves can tailor the colour, width and pattern precisely to their own garments – an advantage that no ready-made ribbon can offer.

How does bobbin weaving work – the basic principle explained simply

The basic principle of reed weaving is easy to understand, but the variations are virtually limitless: each weaving reed usually has four holes (A, B, C, D), through each of which a warp thread is passed. Together, all the reeds thus hold a bundle of parallel warp threads taut.

If you now turn the boards – either forwards or backwards, individually or in groups – a gap forms between the warp threads, known as the shed. You pass the weft thread through this shed (using a shuttle or a needle) and then beat it down with a comb or by hand. This process is repeated row by row.

The pattern is created by the order in which the individual heddles are turned: if all are turned forwards, a simple diagonal ground pattern is created. If groups are turned differently or the direction is changed, complex braided patterns, diamonds, zigzags or floral elements emerge. So-called weaving charts serve as a guide for patterns – these are graphic templates that describe the hole configuration and rotation sequence weft by weft, much like knitting patterns. They are particularly essential for beginners.

A practical advantage of bobbin weaving: it is completely portable and requires no loom. The warp is attached to a fixed object (or stretched across your body with a belt), whilst the bobbins are held in your hand. This makes the craft an ideal pastime for military camps, when travelling, or at medieval market events.

What do you need for tablet weaving? – An overview of the basic materials

The materials required to get started with tablet weaving are manageable – this is one of the reasons why the technique has been widespread for millennia:

• Loom sticks: The key tool. Five to six are sufficient to get started; for wider or more complex patterns, 12 or more are required. Most projects use loom sticks with four holes.
• Yarn: A firm, slightly elastic yarn is suitable for the warp – historically authentic options include wool, linen or silk. The weft yarn can be thinner and finer.
• Shuttles or needles: Used to guide the weft thread through the shed. A wooden shuttle is easy to make yourself or buy cheaply.
• Mounting: A belt around your waist, a chair or a sturdy hook – the warp must be taut so that the boards can turn. No loom is required.
• Weaving charts (pattern templates): Recommended for beginners to weave their first patterns in a structured way. Weaving charts for historical designs from the Viking and Medieval periods are widely available in the community.

Anyone starting to make their own costume details will find tablet weaving a straightforward way in – the first finished ribbon can be produced in just a few hours.

An overview of loom sets – which set suits which project?

Tapestry weaving in re-enactment and for Viking portrayals

Reed weaving is not a reconstructed craft – it is a proven, living craft with a direct archaeological basis. Bone and antler reeds have been preserved from Scandinavian grave finds dating to the Viking Age (9th–11th centuries), which correspond in construction and perforation to the sets available today. Textile remains from Hedeby, Birka and other early medieval sites reveal reed-woven border structures in various weave patterns.

For re-enactors of the Early Middle Ages and the Viking Age, bone weaving boards are therefore the most authentic choice. The material, shape and use correspond to the archaeological evidence – which is crucial for a consistently historical approach in re-enactment. At military camps or medieval markets, board weaving regularly attracts attention as a visible craft – it combines practical craftsmanship with the sharing of knowledge.

Anyone creating a complete Viking costume can effectively combine hand-woven tablet-woven trims with a matching Viking tunic, Viking shoes and a Viking belt. The hand-woven trim on the hem or neckline of the tunic completes the overall look in a way that no ready-made detail can achieve.

Craftsmen interested in needle binding will also find tablet weaving a useful addition – both techniques can be practised with minimal tools and historically authentic materials, and fit perfectly into a living military camp.

Whether you’re just starting out with tablet weaving or already weaving complex patterns – with the right set made of wood, horn or bone, the craft is right at your fingertips. Browse through our weaving tablets and find the right accessories for your next project.

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