HI,

I am new to this group and also new to weaving. I was wondering if anyone uses a warping frame to wind  the warp. I have an Ashford 32" rigid heddle but found that I don't  have room to use warping peg so end up only being able to make a 2.5m cloth. Also I have tried windimg the warp by myself following the Ashford guidelines but always have trouble with the tension. Which is the best way to do this? Any tips would be great as sometimes I don't have anyone to ask to hold the warp for me while I wind it.

Comments

Tue, 02/16/2016 - 12:18

MissSheep14

Sorry that this had posted twice, I kept getting a message saying that it had timed out so I resent it.

Tue, 02/16/2016 - 17:47

10ashus

I am also a new learner. I have tried the warping board and the warping peg. Like you said, the warping board is much easier when doing a long length.

As to holding the tension while winding on the back beam, you need that for both. I found a method that I have not tried yet, but it looks easy and would work on any rigid heddle. Do a search for "Ashford loom warp alone". The link will download a PDF file with pictures.

I would post the link, but instead of going to the page it automatically downloaded the file. And, for some reason my link button is grayed out and not working on this forum.

Tue, 02/16/2016 - 19:08

MissSheep14

Thanks 10ashus! I will look for that. I have had problems with the warping peg coming off just as I am nearly finished winding the warp around it which is a right pain. That's another reason why I have got the warping frame. I am having problems at the moment with the knots on the cloth beam. I have used the cardboard warping things whilst winding but the knots still seem to distort the weaving. Not sure if this is a common problem or just the way I am tying the knots. 

Wed, 02/17/2016 - 15:34

Joanne Hall

Having an even warp tension is more a result of how you wind the warp onto the warp beam than how you wind the warp.  Rigid heddle looms with small diameter warp beams are made for short warps.  If you put on a warp for more than 2 1/2 yards, ordinary paper may not be a good way to do that.  Instead, get about a dozen thin wooden sticks and put them on as needed (maybe three on the beam then wind two times around without sticks, then three more sticks. 

It is also important to wind the warp on tightly.

Increase the length of your warp only after you have good tension on your shorter warps.  Your tension should stay even as you weave, right up to the end.

Joanne

Wed, 02/17/2016 - 22:46

MissSheep14

Thanks Joanne. I had some cardboard sticks that came with the loom, would they be as good? I do need more practice with the tension. 

Thu, 02/18/2016 - 02:42

Joanne Hall

If they are a very stiff cardboard that is not too thick, it is fine.  It needs to not bend at the selvages.

Joanne