10 Simple Handloom Patterns You Can Weave on a Rigid Heddle Loom Today

If you’ve ever stared at a blank warp and wondered “what now?” you’re not alone. The Rigid Heddle Loom is a wonderful little machine, but sometimes the biggest hurdle is just picking a pattern that feels doable. Today I’m sharing ten patterns that are quick, pretty, and perfect for a busy week. Grab your yarn, set up your loom, and let’s get weaving.

1. Plain Weave (Tabby)

The plain weave is the foundation of everything. It’s the “white bread” of weaving – simple, reliable, and always welcome.

How to do it:

Lift the front heddle, lower the back.
Pass the weft over‑under‑over‑under.
Switch heddles each pick.

Because the pattern repeats every two picks, you can finish a small scarf in under an hour. The Rigid Heddle Loom makes the lift‑and‑lower motion smooth, so you’ll get an even fabric without much fuss.

2. Twill (2/2)

Twill adds a little diagonal line that catches the eye. It’s great for blankets or table runners because the diagonal gives extra drape.

Steps:

Lift front heddle for two picks, then back heddle for two picks.
Keep the weft going over‑under as usual.

The result is a subtle “/” line that shows up nicely with contrasting yarns. I love using a soft merino for the warp and a bright cotton for the weft – the Rigid Heddle Loom handles the shift without jamming.

3. Basket Weave (2/2)

If you want a pattern that looks like woven baskets, try the basket weave. It’s basically two plain weaves side by side, then switched.

How to weave:

Lift front heddle for two picks, then back heddle for two picks – just like twill.
After four picks, reverse the order of the lifts.

The fabric ends up with a checkerboard feel. It’s perfect for tote bags because the texture adds strength.

4. Diamond Twill

A diamond twill is a fun twist on regular twill. The diagonal lines cross to form tiny diamonds.

Quick guide:

Lift front heddle for three picks, back heddle for one pick.
Then lift back heddle for three picks, front heddle for one pick.

Repeat. The pattern looks more complex than it is, and the Rigid Heddle Loom’s simple lift system makes the switch easy. I love using two shades of yarn – the diamonds pop right away.

5. Herringbone

Herringbone is a classic “V” pattern that works well for scarves and shawls.

What to do:

Start with a 2/2 twill for four picks.
Then reverse the direction of the twill for the next four picks.

Keep alternating. The little “V” shapes line up nicely, and the Rigid Heddle Loom keeps the tension even, so you don’t get any puckering.

6. Simple Stripe

Stripes are a great way to play with color without learning a new lift.

Method:

Choose two yarn colors.
Weave a few inches of plain weave with color A, then switch to color B for the next few inches.

Because the plain weave repeats every two picks, the color change is clean. The Rigid Heddle Loom lets you stop and start the weft easily, so you can change yarn without messing up the edge.

7. Double Weave Stripe

If you want a thicker stripe that feels like two fabrics stitched together, try a double weave stripe.

Steps:

Set up two warps side by side (you’ll need a wider loom).
Weave a plain weave on each side, but alternate the heddle lifts so the two fabrics interlock every few picks.

The result is a sturdy stripe that can be used as a border on blankets. I once made a kitchen runner this way and it survived a lot of spills.

8. Ripple (Wavy) Pattern

A ripple adds a gentle wave without any fancy threading.

How to create:

Lift front heddle for one pick, back heddle for two picks.
Then lift back heddle for one pick, front heddle for two picks.

Repeat. The alternating lifts make the weft rise and fall, giving a wavy look. It works best with a yarn that has a little sheen – the light catches the waves nicely.

9. Simple Chevron

Chevrons are the “>” shapes you see on many modern textiles.

Easy way:

Use a plain weave for four picks.
Then switch to a 2/2 twill for four picks.
Repeat the sequence.

The change from plain to twill creates a subtle “>” shape. The Rigid Heddle Loom makes the switch smooth, so you won’t get a jagged edge.

10. Feather (Ladder) Pattern

The feather pattern looks like a ladder with rungs across the fabric. It’s great for decorative scarves.

Simple steps:

Weave a plain weave for three picks.
Then lift both heddles together for one pick (this creates a “rung”).
Return to plain weave for three picks, lift both again, and so on.

Because you only need to lift both heddles at once, the Rigid Heddle Loom handles it without any extra hardware. I love using a soft alpaca yarn – the ladder effect feels cozy.

A Few Tips for All Ten Patterns

Keep your tension even. The Rigid Heddle Loom is forgiving, but if the warp is too tight or too loose the pattern will look off. A simple hand‑tightening before you start usually does the trick.
Mark your picks. A tiny piece of tape on the loom frame helps you remember when to switch heddles, especially for the more rhythmic patterns like diamond twill or ripple.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Swap yarn colors, try a thicker yarn, or change the pick count. The patterns are flexible, and The Rigid Heddle Loom loves a little adventure.

I hope these ten ideas give you a quick start. Whether you’re making a gift, a home accessory, or just a practice piece, the patterns are simple enough to finish in a weekend but look impressive enough to display. The Rigid Heddle Loom is a wonderful tool for turning a few skeins of yarn into something beautiful, and these patterns are proof that you don’t need a complicated draft to create joy.

Happy weaving!