Please be patient! I am completely new to weaving, equipped with an 40yr. old Cranbrook 4 harness loom (an incredibly generous gift from a friend), learning mostly on my own. The loom is warped for my first practice piece for which I have used a 6 dent reed. The width of this practice piece is supposed to be about 14 inches. To start,  I've been trying to weave several inches of  "header" (still learning the lingo) but have pulled that out at least 5 times. As much as I try to prevent the sides from pulling in, they do anyway, reducing the width by about 1/4 inch on each side even though the resulting warp threads are neat and evenly spaced.  I can see how the beater pulls on the warp threads as it comes forward, but I don't know how to fix it. I've tried using several different yarns, but get the same results. What am I doing wrong? Any suggestions? Thanks to all.

Comments

laurafry

You aren't doing anything wrong. Draw in is normal unless you use a temple. Even then, the cloth will be narrower than woven after wet finishing. If you are interested in an on line class, check out Janet Dawson's on Craftsy. Cheers Laura

Lenore

Thanks so much for your prompt assistance! It is a relief that I can now take the next step without worrying I've messed up the piece from the start! I will continue to practice and look for the class you've suggested! thanks again!

nancy2

I hope I'm posting this in the right place. I'm inexperienced in posting on weavolution.   How do I prevent this initial draw in? Once it occurs, the selvedges remain straight. I've been weaving for years and can't seem to correct the problem. I haven't tried a temple, but isn't there a way to avoid the problem without one?

Joanne Hall

Research bubbling your weft.

Use a temple

And get a copy of the Rug Weavers Handbook by Meany and Pfaff.

Joanne