Hello !
This is my first post on this website as i just registered recently. I have started to weave a few months ago and will be doing a ms textile design next year. However, im in India for the year and have no resources related to weaving here - be it books or workshops, the only thing i have access to is a place with looms and the internet and I really would like to understand how to make a harness draft for my weaves. All weave structures i have done so far have been using a straight draw (8 shaft loom threading 1-8 and so on..). Is there any place on the internet where i could learn this?
I did order a book online with the basics of weave covered that textile students use but they dont do a good job explaining how to come up with the threading draft - any suggestions would be very much appreciated!
thanks a ton!
You can find over 50,000 weave drafts here: http://handweaving.net/Home.aspx
You will also find books here.
I hope this what you are looking for?
MIchael
Hello Michaell....Thanks.. I am actually interested in learning to make one myself based on my weave design--
You could download a free weaving software program online to play with drafts. You need to look at basic weave structure to get an understanding of how the yarn interplays. I am certain later today you will hear from people here that have written books on the subject, designing your own drafts. It is still early in the morning here in the states so hang in there your question will get answered.
Michael
Thanks again, Michael..
Welcome to Weavolution!
We have several drafts HERE on Weavolution but you will find more drafts than you can weave on handweaving.net. In addition, you can search the drafts on Weavolution by using the slider to set it for 8 shafts.
You will find some examples of 8 shaft drafts with different threadings.
To create drafts, you either need graph paper and pencil or weaving software which is explained and surveyed on Judie Eatough's website HERE.
You might enjoy a basic book like Debbie Chandler's Learning to Weave or Laila Lundell's Big Book of Weaving. Both have sections about reading and writing drafts.
Keep in touch,
Claudia
It is absolutely wonderful that you are interested in learning to draft your own patterns! On the same site Michael recommends there is a a section called the Digital Archive (begun by Ralph Griswold) of older books and newsletters in pdf format. Some of these are excellent for learning to draft your own patterns. It may be a little early in your weaving career to get the fullest use out of these, but you could give them a try. Look for ICS (International Correspondence School) books, books by Kastanek, Watson, Collingwood, Irene Wood, Barker, Berta Frey, etc.; Nellie Sargeant and other old newsletters, etc.
http://www.handweaving.net/DAHome.aspx
Some paper books to help: Weaving by Helene Bress, Designing with Blocks by Doramay Keasbey, Exploring Multishaft Design by Bonnie Inouye, Master Weaver Library by Zielinski, etc. Good luck!
Laurie Autio
If Judie Eatough gives her Virtual Weaving (or any other drafting class) again on Weavolution, try to take it. Judie is a clear, patient teacher who really knows drafting, structures, and weaving programs inside out.
Laurie Autio
As Laurie said above the book you need is Exploring Multishaft Weaving by Bonnie I, here is her profile link
http://weavolution.com/weaver/bonnie-inouye
Her book is still in print and is a great study reference for moving beyond 4 shafts. I strongly recommend it!
Exploring Multishaft Design was the book I studied when I learned drafting (with lots of generous help from Bonnie herself), and I found it indispensable. it's available from Bonnie at http://www.bonnieinouye.com .
It will probably take some time to get to India, but it's well worth the wait.
I don't know of online sources for learning how to do your own drafts, though as many other people have said, handweaving.net has a lot of existing drafts.
And yes, Weavolution does offer online courses in drafting, so if you have a fast internet connection, that would be a great option, too!
Hi everyone! Thanks so much for your help -- il look into all the resources you have mentioned..... in the meanwhile, il look at the existing drafts and try figuring it out-
