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How To Weave On A Weaving Loom
Introduction
Weaving is the process of making cloth by interlacing two sets of threads at right angles to each other. The threads that run through the length of the cloth are called the warp and the threads that go across the cloth are called the weft.
The art of weaving has been an important part of human culture from the earliest times. Fine fabrics were important economic items even in ancient Egypt and Babylon. The economic value of cloth has always been of great importance to man because of its indispensable place in his everyday life.
Most weaving today is done on a loom, which is a form of structure used to support the warp threads so that the weft can be interlaced with them.
To allow the weaver to make a plain cloth, i.e. simple under and over weaving (known as tabby weaving) some method of quickly sorting the warp so that the weft can pass through must be found. In the loom to which this publication relates, every alternate thread in the warp is fixed into position with a cotton loop attached to the loom. These cotton loops are called heddles. By raising or lowering the warp through which the weft can pass, The gap formed is known as the shed, and the weft is passed through the shed with the aid of a in this case a flat piece of wood about 31cms (12.2 inches) long with a groove at each end to allow the weft to be wound onto it.
The method of forming sheds used on this loom is the same as is used on the well known Inkle Loom. Inkle is a Scottish word meaning narrow band or braid.
The process of putting warp threads through heddles is known as threading. The warping and threading are completed in one operation on this loom. This is a decided advantage to beginners and people in the school class room situation. The warp is wrapped around the loom in a continuous band with every alternate thread passing through a heddle, although some variations to this are possible.
The fabric or cloth produced on this loom is warp-faced. That is, the weft does not show. Therefore all patterns are made from the arrangement of colour within the warp. In the chapter on scarf-making a fabric is woven in which the warp and weft are equally visible. This is brought about by using a very old and ingenious device known as a rigid heddle and not using the cotton heddles. The rigid heddle is described in detail later in the book.
The weaver refers to the threads he weaves with as yarns. Many types of yarns can be used on this loom. For mot work an 8-ply knitting wool will give excellent results. For soft light weight articles thinner yarns can be used. Try all the various yarns, including hand-spun yarns, and with experience you will soon discover those that best suit your needs.
Many things can be made with the loom. The range is limited only by the imagination and creative ability of the weaver. Some recommended things for the beginner are belts, neckties, guitar straps, bags, scarves, table mats, wall hangings, floor rugs, etc.
One of the surprising facts of modern life is that very few of us know how the cloth we drape over our bodies each day in the form of coats, skirts, etc. is made. However primitive this loom may appear in its method of weaving cloth, it is my hope that it will stir the weaver to further his interest and knowledge in the weaving processes.
By using the book properly the weaver can be led into the wonderful world of weaving in a simple manner. Tremendous personal satisfaction can be gained by creating original and well-woven pieces of fabric. One does not master weaving overnight. It can challenge one endlessly. Let this be a beginning for you of a new field of creativity and remember to hasten slowly. Aim for quality not quantity.
Here is a loom that can challenge your designing talents, your application and your weaving skills. Given time and patience you can produce things of great beauty. So go to it and good weaving!
Weaving is the process of making cloth by interlacing two sets of threads at right angles to each other. The threads that run through the length of the cloth are called the warp and the threads that go across the cloth are called the weft.
The art of weaving has been an important part of human culture from the earliest times. Fine fabrics were important economic items even in ancient Egypt and Babylon. The economic value of cloth has always been of great importance to man because of its indispensable place in his everyday life.
Most weaving today is done on a loom, which is a form of structure used to support the warp threads so that the weft can be interlaced with them.
To allow the weaver to make a plain cloth, i.e. simple under and over weaving (known as tabby weaving) some method of quickly sorting the warp so that the weft can pass through must be found. In the loom to which this publication relates, every alternate thread in the warp is fixed into position with a cotton loop attached to the loom. These cotton loops are called heddles. By raising or lowering the warp through which the weft can pass, The gap formed is known as the shed, and the weft is passed through the shed with the aid of a in this case a flat piece of wood about 31cms (12.2 inches) long with a groove at each end to allow the weft to be wound onto it.
The method of forming sheds used on this loom is the same as is used on the well known Inkle Loom. Inkle is a Scottish word meaning narrow band or braid.
The process of putting warp threads through heddles is known as threading. The warping and threading are completed in one operation on this loom. This is a decided advantage to beginners and people in the school class room situation. The warp is wrapped around the loom in a continuous band with every alternate thread passing through a heddle, although some variations to this are possible.
The fabric or cloth produced on this loom is warp-faced. That is, the weft does not show. Therefore all patterns are made from the arrangement of colour within the warp. In the chapter on scarf-making a fabric is woven in which the warp and weft are equally visible. This is brought about by using a very old and ingenious device known as a rigid heddle and not using the cotton heddles. The rigid heddle is described in detail later in the book.
The weaver refers to the threads he weaves with as yarns. Many types of yarns can be used on this loom. For mot work an 8-ply knitting wool will give excellent results. For soft light weight articles thinner yarns can be used. Try all the various yarns, including hand-spun yarns, and with experience you will soon discover those that best suit your needs.
Many things can be made with the loom. The range is limited only by the imagination and creative ability of the weaver. Some recommended things for the beginner are belts, neckties, guitar straps, bags, scarves, table mats, wall hangings, floor rugs, etc.
One of the surprising facts of modern life is that very few of us know how the cloth we drape over our bodies each day in the form of coats, skirts, etc. is made. However primitive this loom may appear in its method of weaving cloth, it is my hope that it will stir the weaver to further his interest and knowledge in the weaving processes.
By using the book properly the weaver can be led into the wonderful world of weaving in a simple manner. Tremendous personal satisfaction can be gained by creating original and well-woven pieces of fabric. One does not master weaving overnight. It can challenge one endlessly. Let this be a beginning for you of a new field of creativity and remember to hasten slowly. Aim for quality not quantity.
Here is a loom that can challenge your designing talents, your application and your weaving skills. Given time and patience you can produce things of great beauty. So go to it and good weaving!
58 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 11, 2012
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