'Inkle' is the Old English word for a linen band or drawstring, hence an inkle loom is a loom on which these were made."1 The word "inkle" has been in use in the English language for over 400 years, although spellings have varied considerably:
Shakespeare in The Winter's Tale has a servant say of Autolycus 'Hath ribbons of all colours i the rainbow, points...inkles, caddysses, camricks, lawnes.'"3
Although the modern, tabletop inkle loom was only developed in the past century, inkle bands have been woven on much older style tape looms4 and large, floor looms5. Inkle looms have a simple, two-shed arrangement, which means that, unless pick-up techniques are used, only tabby woven bands can be produced on them. A tabby weave is a simple over and under weave. Broadcloth, for example, is tabby woven. Most inkle bands are warp-faced, that is, the long, warp threads are the only ones that show on the surface. The weft is hidden by the warp and shows only at the edges.
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Bibliography, suggested reading, and web resources/links
Plans for a simple inkle loom and shuttle