Hello. Is there any way to avoid the initial draw in that occurs as soon as I begin to weave? Once this happens the selvedges stay straight. I don't usually have any frayed or broken selvedges threads, but there is a strain on the threads and the first couple inches is unuseable. I've never tried a temple. Am I wrong in thinking I should be able to keep the initial width with out one?

Comments

Tue, 10/08/2019 - 22:31

sandra.eberhar…

There will be some degree of draw in; it's inherint in the weaving procces.  To reduce it, angle your weft more (providing more thread to cover the warp).  Or use a temple.  Using a temple can also improve selvedges, if that is a problem.  Some looms I never use a temple, some always.

Fri, 10/11/2019 - 09:14

nancy2

Thanks for your suggestions. I’m weaving a 39 inch baby blanket with 8/2 cotton. I made a temple using tarp clips and about 4 ounce weights on each side. I’m angling my weft considerably, and my piece is still drawing in- down to 36 inches! I want to un-weave the piece and start over. I’ve read about placing the weft in an inverted V or possibly bubbling as in tapestry weaving. This is the worst draw in I’ve ever had! I have already unwoven the piece 2 times! Ugh! Any other ideas or suggestions would be so appreciated! 

Wed, 10/09/2019 - 22:25

norgard

In my experience, using a temple will reduce draw-in, but nothing will eliminate it. As bwsd pointed out, draw-in is a part of the weaving process.  Also, it is hard, at least for me, to introduce a temple until I have woven a few inches and have something to attach the temple to. I just try and give the weft a little extra slack when I start a piece until I have enough to attach the temple. I find that using a temple not only limits draw-in, but my weaving is more symetrical as well. For me, the only drawback to a temple is the blood.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fri, 10/11/2019 - 10:56

nancy2

Thank you as well Norgard. I wasn't sure where to post my reply. :)

Sat, 10/12/2019 - 11:45

norgard

I have found that the type of cotton you use effect draw in.  I am using a perle cotton on a current project and it seems to draw in very little, whereas my last project used an undyed cotton that drew in several inches even with a temple.  When weaving, I switch to the next shed before I push the beater bar forward - I think this helps with draw in as it tends to trap the wrap thread.  Also, I use weighted floating selvedges on all my projects and I believe this effects draw in too.  Just my 2 cents worth.

Sat, 10/12/2019 - 15:33

sandra.eberhar…

I have experimented with using clips and weights as a temple substitute and never been happy with it, although I know it works for some people.  I agree that how you beat can help control it; I always close the shed before beating.  Also, the sett of the warp has an effect.  If your warp is sett widely, as it would be for a weft-faced weave, it will take much more weft to cover the warp without draw in.

Sat, 10/12/2019 - 15:33

sandra.eberhar…

I have experimented with using clips and weights as a temple substitute and never been happy with it, although I know it works for some people.  I agree that how you beat can help control it; I always close the shed before beating.  Also, the sett of the warp has an effect.  If your warp is sett widely, as it would be for a weft-faced weave, it will take much more weft to cover the warp without draw in.

Sat, 10/12/2019 - 15:34

sandra.eberhar…

I have experimented with using clips and weights as a temple substitute and never been happy with it, although I know it works for some people.  I agree that how you beat can help control it; I always close the shed before beating.  Also, the sett of the warp has an effect.  If your warp is sett widely, as it would be for a weft-faced weave, it will take much more weft to cover the warp without draw in.

Mon, 10/14/2019 - 15:47

nancy2

I appreciate your input! I've read Peggy Osterkamp's suggestion on weighted selvedges and I think I'll try that next time. I unwove the piece (12inches)and retied the warp on the apron bar in 1/2 inch bundles. I'm going to try using the tarp clips and if they don't do the job, I'll purchase a wooden one. I've got my fingers crossed. :). 

Tue, 10/15/2019 - 13:31

sandra.eberhar…

What yarn are you using for warp, and what is the sett?  Smaller tie on bundles won't affect draw in.

Wed, 10/16/2019 - 21:52

nancy2

I'm using 8/2 unmercerized cotton , 18epi. It's a huck lace weave. After I unwove, I untied my 1 inch bundles and retied into 1/2 bundles. I wove a few inches plain weave using the tarp clips with12 oz weight. It still pulled in! #!  I've tossed the clips into a corner and I'm weaving solo and unemcumbered. Hopefully I don't end up with any broken selvedges threads. 

Wed, 02/02/2022 - 09:00

Weavolutionary

I would suggest taking a look at how much extra weft you are pulling off the shuttle when you throw it and how are you moving the shuttle as you beat the weft. I used to have draw in issues, once I adjusted to leave enough extra weft and started moving the shuttle with the beater I stopped having draw in. Most projects my draw in is literally 0! I hope this help, Erica

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