I watched a video on You Tube yesterday and I noticed the French weavers inserting the bobbin with the round end first. I've always inserted the point first. They are extremely fast and you really have to watch closely to see what they are doing. But it got me thinking and I wanted to ask the question here. How do you insert your Gobelin style bobbin when weaving? Round end or pointed end? Is it just personal preference or is there a more technical answer as to why they insert the round end first? Here is a link to the video. 

Comments

Thu, 05/24/2012 - 15:42

saffrondyeworks (not verified)

Well, I think I've just answered my own question. I found this by Kathe Todd-Hooker. She inserts the knob first too. I'll have to try it and see if it makes a difference for me. Tapestry Weavers have I been doing this wrong for all along? :)

Thu, 05/24/2012 - 15:43

saffrondyeworks (not verified)

Well, I think I've just answered my own question. I found this by Kathe Todd-Hooker. She inserts the knob first too. I'll have to try it and see if it makes a difference for me. Tapestry Weavers have I been doing this wrong for all along? :)

Thu, 05/24/2012 - 15:50

saffrondyeworks (not verified)

Whoops it posted twice. Sorry.......

Thu, 05/24/2012 - 17:07

tommye scanlin

Yes, the point end does not go first. Kathe's YouTube is good. In fact, the bobbin, with point up and bulb/knob end down goes in almost vertically. And remember to keep the bobbin in the same hand, not changing from hand to hand, as well. The other hand serves to help tension the weft. The action of weft insertion with the Gobelin style bobbin, and subsequent beating into place is very smooth and quite quick to do. Tommye
Thu, 05/24/2012 - 21:47

saffrondyeworks (not verified)

Hi Tommye,

I'm going to give it a try. I can see in the French video that they are holding it vertical. I've seen other weavers that go in with the point first like me but I'm going to play with it and see if I can retrain myself and see if it makes a difference for me. The weavers in that video are the fastest I have ever seen. Very impressive. 

Sun, 05/27/2012 - 17:43

Pamela Hunt

I haven't purchased bobbins as yet, but did watch Kathe's video.  I will remember (I hope) to put knob end in first!  Right now, I am using tapestry needles as I don't working with like butterflies.