I am hoping that someone on this list can help me! I am weaving placemats in monk's belt, with #6 linen tow warp and pattern wefts of #8 linen tow and tabby of fine wetspun linen singles. I have been misting the warp before weaving. I am getting a line of fuzz between the heddles and the beater and eventually the fuzz builds up to a point of causing problems (sticking sheds and warp breakage). I try to pick out the fuzz every few shots of weaving, but that is a major set back to efficiency. When I don't carefully pick out the fuzz warp threads begin to break.
I have seen many lovely finished table linens using this thick linen tow, so there must be some useful tips for working with it. Can any of you help me?
Many thanks,
Brenda (ozweaver)
Have you tried sizing the warp?
I have been told that the goo from boiled linseed works well, also gelatin and perhaps starch.
Disclaimer: I have never tried - instead I tend to avoid using tow for warp ;-)
I sprayed the warp with water while I was weaving. I kept a spray bottle of water beside me, and sprayed the warp between the heddles and the reed. It wasn't perfect, but it definitely helped.
I wrote to Brenda suggesting a smaller shed. A big shed will cause more stress and friction on a warp. I have woven with tow linen for warp and I did not have a problem. Joanne
Kristin,
I did not size the warp, and while I have heard of this, I do not have a recipe for it. Thanks for the idea!... I will investigate.
So far, I have been spraying the warp with a water mister, and today I turned off my de-humidifier and tried spraying the air above the warp! After weaving for just a few minutes with these conditions, I broke three more warp threads! I use a temple to weave so these threads did break due to pull in, rather due to abrasion.
Based on Joanne's suggestion about a smaller shed I am attempting to create a smaller shed!
I do love the look of tow linen and hope I make a success of these placemats! Also, they are a gift so I hope I won't have to abandon the project!
Brenda
Kerstin,
Oops! Very sorry I spelled your name incorrectly in my previous message.
Brenda
Joanne,
Thank you for taking the time to consider my situation. If I may, I will try to state as much info about this project as possible.
Warp: 6/1 tow linen, black (perhaps the depth of color has weakened this yarn?)
Sett: 24 epi, sleyed 2 per dent in a 12-dent reed
Loom: Toika
Weave structure: Monk's Belt
Weft: Pattern weft is 8/1 tow doubled, tabby is single wet spun black linen (no label for determining size).
I am using a temple while weaving.
There is a line of 'fuzzies' between the beater and the shaft 1 heddles. This fuzz has started to constrict the warp threads' ability to raise and lower independently. The warp threads are catching on each other and binding. Some threads are now breaking.
Thanks for your help so far....I plan to adjust the treadles down a bit , hoping that will lessen the shed.
Brenda
You might also watch so that you do not treadle any more than is necessary. You have a very close sett and that is probably part of the problem. Advance the warp frequently.
Also the fuzzies will start to show in the weave. When you weave a little further with a smaller shed, you can see if it helps.
Then decide if a more open sett would be better. Count your tabby wefts. If you have fewer than 24, you do not have a balanced weave and a more open sett will probably solve the problem.
Joanne
Joanne,
Thanks again. These are good points. My tabby sett is 20. The fuzzies are getting into the weave. Ugh.
Your advice has been tremendously helpful!
Brenda
Earlier this evening I ran to the store for flax seed in order to make the recipe from Kati Meek's book per Kerstin's recommendation. I have now woven about 4", also implementing Joanne's advice about only beating once and advancing the warp often. Things look good!
Thank you all!
Brenda
