So I know technically you can use any strong yarn. I'm currently trying mercerized cotton warp and wool weft, but one side isn't packing in all the way and the wool just seems to slip down the warp, even though I did knot the hem. Any suggestions would be much appreciated! 

Thank you!

Comments

tommye scanlin

Erica,

Linen intended as rug weaving warp is excellent for weft faced weaving, as is cotton seine twine.  Wool spun as tapestry or rug warp would be, as well.  You might want to check Peter Collingwood's Techniques of Rug Weaving for suggestions.

Tommye

Artistry

Also Erica , In my opinion, it's perfectly fine to have some hem showing for a bound weave when you're putting a decorative rug finish on the ends. Use the warp and weave perhaps 1/4 inch. This will give the weaving a firm foundation and the wool will have something to pack against. If you don't want a hem, you can do what Tommye taught me:) that is to put the foundation hem in, then take a fine strong thread ( I double mine because I use sewing thread) and half hitch every warp thread. Start with a loop on one side work across and knot at the other side leaving a end you can darn in later. You'll do the same to the other end. Then when you take it off the loom you can take that hem/ header out and the thread half hitching keeps your weft weaving in place. Of course then something needs to be done with the warp ends, braided etc. I know it sounds like I'm talking about finishing, but really it's about getting that firm foundation in there. If you're wool is not packing straight across, there are tension issues, probably just with your knots. I would retie. Good luck, bound weave is so beautiful, I hope you enjoy it! Cathie the wools I like are generally 2 ply or single ply wool yarns.

marywareodc (not verified)

New to this weave although I once did some Krokbad.I can't get my weft to pack to cover the warp. The warp is a thin cotton doubled, 8 epi. I've tried various thicknesses of wool for weft, using a table loom. Don't know whether to try much thicker weft (thick to give better coverage?) or thinner (to wave between the warp threads)? Any advice welcome. Thanks! Mary

PS I weave with handspun mainly, so don't have standard thickness measures. But relative thicknesses warp to weft is what I'm needing help with.

 

 

Gone

I used tapestry yarn over a sock weight wool yarn warp. I believe it was 8 epi. It packed well.

 

Toronto

Are you bubbling your weft?  If you only lay your weft on the angle it will not cover no matter how hard you beat.  It's like doing tapestry.  It is not a fast weave.    

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