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Avis Peterson
Avis has graciously agreed to tell us a little something about weaving. Thank you Avis!
Weaving Basics:
Weaving is a method of making fabric by intertwining of threads in
opposite directions. Two distinct sets of threads, called the warp and the
weft, are interlaced with each other to form a fabric. The warp threads run
lengthwise in the piece of cloth and the weft threads run across from side to
side. The loom is dressed with the warp threads passing through harnesses (two
or more). The warp threads are moved up or down by the harnesses creating a
space called the shed. A shuttle carries the weft through the shed. By lifting
the warp threads in specific sequences you can create many possible weave
structures.
Fabric texture is
obtained by changes in the thickness and smoothness of yarns/threads for
example, satin bed sheets and rag rugs. Fabric diversity is also limited
by the type of weaving loom. There are looms you can use on your lap,
floor standing looms, table top looms, machine driven looms, and hand
manipulated looms.
Features of looms
complicate the weaving process as well. The tightness of a weave
structure depends on how far apart (side to side) the warp yarns 'sett' in
different sizes of reeds (the part that manages alignment of yarns. In
order to make weave structure the loom may include harnesses that lift specific
yarns up and down when passing the weft yarn between between an open 'shed'
(the space between stationary and lifted yarns.)
How flowing the
'drape' of the fabric becomes is determined by the weave pattern and threading
of the 'heddles' of each harness. Twill drapes nicely and the diagonal
weave pattern allows the flow of fabric or stretch/give of fabric.
Examples of twill fabric are gabardine, denim jeans, or tweed The
most basic twill weave is two threads in one direction, crossed over by a
single thread in the opposite direction. This gives the weave its
characteristic design, although the weave can be far more complex depending
upon the degree to which the weaver wants a design in the twill to show.
Hobby weavers often
have 'favorite' weave and fabric structures that vary from towels, rugs,
delicate scarves, wall art, blankets and more. Their library of patterns
books and storage of yarns and threads are expansive. Wool, cotton,
linen, silk and bamboo are quite different in hand and weaving performance.
Winding treads on the warping board (which is strapped to the scaffolding, a benefit of living in a house while still in construction). From the warping board, the big long 24 feet of threads (in order of vertical stripes) are dressed onto the loom (photos).
When warping the threads on the warping board (pegs), there were some 400+ threads, each 24 feet long.
From the warping board, the big long 24 feet of threads (in order of vertical stripes) are dressed onto the loom (photos). *Seen on post here
Winding treads on the warping board (which is strapped to the scaffolding, a benefit of living in a house while still in construction). From the warping board, the big long 24 feet of threads (in order of vertical stripes) are dressed onto the loom (photos).
When warping the threads on the warping board (pegs), there were some 400+ threads, each 24 feet long.
Winding the bobbin (for the shuttle) using the
drill motor (bobbin winders cost about $100)
From the warping board, the big long 24 feet of threads (in order of vertical stripes) are dressed onto the loom (photos). *Seen on post here
The actual weaving video. Stepping on the treadles raises a harness creating a 'shed' which is where the shuttle travels through, then that weft thread is 'beat' against the previous weft threads comprising the fabric. There is a great rhythm in this weaving sequence, very relaxing.
Be sure to visit the other post on Avis showing photos of some of the steps and finished tea towel that she gifted me with:
Such a Talented Lady!
Such a Talented Lady!
Cheers,
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