I'm working with some handspun alpaca, and I've come across a thin spot in my warp that's about to break.  Any thoughts how I might reinforce it so it'll last the next two inches or so before it gets woven in?  Or will I just have to replace it?  I'm having to abuse it a bit to get a proper shed.

And while I'm asking questions . ..  any tips on getting the warp to be an even tension all the way across, particularly with multiple colours?  I'm used to just tying some of the knots tighter, this whole continuous warp thing has me a bit stumped.

 

Thanks!

Comments

Fri, 03/26/2010 - 14:05

bolivian warmi

Hi. Working with handspun alpaca-great! I am guessing you are weaving a warp-faced piece. Did you spin your yarn with a firmer twist for this?

Even tension happens on the warping board. You just have to make your winding process as fluid and rhythmical as possible-always hold onto the yarn and maintain the tension when you cut to tie on another color. Have all you need handy-scissors, extra yarn etc so you never have to let go to get something you need.

If you have uneven tension when your warp is on the loom, the best solution is to isolate the slack warps and put a dowel under them at the far loom bar. You can tie the dowel to the loom bar. If the warp is slightly slack you can even put something as thin as a toothpick under it.

If I have a warp that is about to break, I replace it. I tie on the new piece at the loom bar and pin its end to the under side of the weaving and weave with a doubled warp for an inch or so. I shred the weak warp so that it is really thin so that weaving double is not so noticeable. You will need to sew the end of the replacement warp in when you finish.

Hope this helps.

Laverne

Fri, 03/26/2010 - 14:10

rose Goldielocks (not verified)

you can try wrapping another section of your handspun around it, so the weak section is 2-ply,...

or you could add a warp dressing like some of the loom weavers do.

even tesion all the way across with multiple colors,= practice, and trying differnt things until you find one that works for you.

For myself, I try to tie the knots evenly, (the bowline that laverne showes for ending a warp is great!), and if it doesn't work, I even it out a little by weaveing a header of sticks. The uneven area gets cut off or fringed.

Sometimes, if I am switching beween 2 colors, I tie the two warps toghether, wind them together, and switch the warp order afterwords, but it doesn't work to carry a third color (like an edge stripe) over more than 2 or 3 warps.

If you want to see what NOT to do: check here: http://goldielocks-garden.blogspot.com/2010/03/misadventures-in-warping.html