I have used shed sticks made by Jim Hokett for my whole little looms weaving career. So when he retired in 2019, I was sad to lose this source of wonderful tools. There are other people making similar looms, but I have struggled to find a replacement for his shed sticks.
Today’s video does a deep dive into this humble tool. Shed sticks are particularly useful on small tapestry looms without shedding devices. I use them as a simple way to open the shed, prevent abrasion of my weft yarn, and to check my shed for errors. And on narrow setts, they can pick up warps that my fingers cannot.
I’ve been searching for the next great shed stick for a long time and I don’t yet have the perfect one. There are a few great options out there and I’ve tried the ones I’ve presented here myself.
What am I looking for in a shed stick for tapestry weaving?
I want a tool that is the right dimensions. Something about 7 inches long, 1/2 inch wide, and 1/4 inch thick works well because I can turn the stick sideways in the shed to pass a bobbin or other weft-carrying tool through.
A nice point. I want the stick to be able to pick up the warps effectively which means the point needs to be fairly sharp. This can be hard to create if your material is wood! If the point breaks off, that is bad, but if it isn’t very pointy, it can’t pick up warps easily and that gets harder the closer your sett.
A smooth finish. I want the tool to slide through the warps easily.
The right tool can make creating much more enjoyable. When I’m weaving on a small lap loom, a shed stick is constantly in my hand. The video below talks about what I’m looking for in this tool and shows you a few options you can purchase as well as a few things you might substitute. At the end of the video there is a clip of me using one.
The shed sticks pictured are my top picks of what is currently available. Another great option is to make your own. If you’re handy enough to whittle yourself a good shed stick and finish it so it is nice and smooth, you can make yourself the perfect tool.
The Schacht Weaving Stick can be found anywhere Schacht tools are sold. I purchased mine from The Woolery.
Yarnworker’s pickup stick can be purchased from Yarnworker.com.
Handywoman Shop’s pick up stick is at Handywomanshop.com.
Update Feb 2022: Sometimes you just have to give the universe the specs of what you’re looking for and new options show up. I’ve had several people contact me saying they can make this tool.
I’m pretty excited about Threads Thru Time adding shed sticks to their line-up. They make wonderful small tapestry forks along with many other beautiful fiber tools. I use my tiniest tapestry fork from them every time I’m weaving on little looms so take a look at those when you’re getting your shed stick. They have a handful of shed sticks on their site now and in my experience are great about refilling stock when they run out. You’ll find them on Etsy HERE.
Handywoman Shop has added 1/2 inch shed sticks to her line-up. They are beautifully smooth and these small versions of her larger shed stick are just as gorgeous and utterly useable.
And Stephen Willette has made a beautiful shed stick which hopefully will be coming to his shop soon! He came up with an ingenious combination of shed stick and tiny beater that I’m excited about. Stay tuned!
Have you found other options for shed sticks on small tapestry looms? What are your favorite and why?