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Weaving!

It’s finally time to weave! We’ve traveled together through all the steps to dress the loom. And now, it’s time for some weaving! In this video, which is part 6 in our 7-part series, I will show you how it all comes together into a weaving project. I will create fabric right before your very eyes. Pretty magical!

I’ll tell you a little about technique, and a little about materials. Plus, I’ll identify all the steps that came before and explain why they were important. And mostly, I’ll toss the shuttle to & fro, and add a few inches to our project while we chat! I hope you enjoy Episode 10 of “A Handwoven Experience”. Happy Weaving!

 

 

Show Notes –

  • Planning a project is the 1st step of a weaving project, which include 3 goals – 1) deciding the length of the warp yarns 2) counting how many warp yarns will be in the project, and 3) determining the order.
  • Warping a project is the 2nd step of a weaving project where each warp yarn is measured to the same length, and in the correct order. (Typically, this is done on a warping board or mill.)
  • Warp refers to the yarns that are in the loom and under tension.
  • Sleying the reed is the 3rd step of a weaving project. Each warp yarn is assigned to a slot (dent) in a reed. The reed’s job is to keep the project at a consistent width in the loom, which is key.
  • Threading the heddles is the 4th step of a weaving project when each warp yarn is paired with a shaft in the loom. This step helps set up the options for the pattern of the fabric.
  • Heddles are thin, metal strips (by the way, they aren’t always metal, but mine are!) with an eye in the middle that slide along a top and bottom rail in each shaft of the loom. Each warp yarn goes into a heddle on a specific shaft, therefore determining when it will lift up in the weaving pattern.
  • Shaft is a frame in the loom that lifts and lowers, separating yarns which will then create the weaving pattern.
  • Winding on is the 5th step of the weaving process. The entire warp is shifted through the loom and then tied on to the back. (Requires a bit of balance and a smidgen of patience.)
  • Weaving is the 6th step of a weaving project. In this step, yarns are lifted and lowered, depending on what shaft they are on. A shuttle is tossed from side-to-side, releasing the weft yarn into the fabric. And the beater bar is pulled forward to position the weft yarns and tighten the fabric.
  • Treadles are pedals below the loom that are connected to the shafts.
  • Plain weave is the simplest weaving pattern – over, under, over, under (think potholders!).
  • Weft refers to yarns that are in the shuttle.
  • Shuttle is an item that holds the weft yarns that travel back and forth across the warp to create fabric.
  • Rag shuttle is a type of shuttle where the weft yarns are wound directly on it, instead of on a bobbin. This type of shuttle is typically larger than a stick or boat shuttle.
  • Beater bar is a large piece at the front of the loom that moves forward and back. It is important because it serves 2 purposes – 1) to hold the reed, and 2) to tighten the yarns in the fabric.

 

A little something extra –

To counteract any creative stagnation during these difficult times, click here to access your free, “25 Weaving Challenges to Beat the Quarantine Doldrums”! And Happy Weaving!

Weekly Weaving Newsletter

The absolutely best thing you can do to help with your weaving journey is to sign up for the Weekly Weaving Newsletter! This online Wednesday publication will keep you posted on that week’s FREE weaving educational content, plus I always toss in a story from me! It’s equal parts education and entertainment, all wrapped up in a short, few-minute read!

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