Just doing a little threading…

And we’re back threading heddles! This is definitely a part of the process where the detail-oriented side of you needs to step to the front!

Grouping the yarns through the heddles

At this point, I’m about halfway through the process of setting up the loom (called “dressing the loom”). So far, I’ve invested about 9-10 hours into the project – just to give you a gauge! (It’s not the art form for those that need instant gratification… just sayin’!)

Sliding the heddles over one at a time!

I almost always thread the heddles starting in the middle. Like anything else, you figure out the method that makes you happy and work it that way! (If whistling helps, too – go for it!)

Profile shot!

Nice and orderly!

Each shaft in the loom houses heddles. I have (4) shafts, therefore (4) choices for where the yarn can go! Makes sense, right? For this project, I’m threading the heddles in an easy pattern – 123412341234, etc. Shaft #1 is the one closest to the weaver when she’s weaving, or the one at the front of the loom – whichever description makes more sense to you!

Finishing up!

Now that the heddles are all threaded, it’s time to tie the yarn to the rod attached to the back of the loom!

Tying on the back

Connecting the dots!

I like to take each group of yarn (typically an inch-worth), wrap it around the rod and then whip up a little double knot. You don’t want any of these coming loose!

All tied up!

We are cooking with gas now! The next step is winding the yarn around the beam and get ready to weave! Woohoo! It’s going to be fantastic! See you soon…