okay so I am completely new to weaving. I've watch the few YouTubes on warping my loom, but I'm stumped where to learn more about the order to thread my heddles. I've got a 4 shaft table loom and I would like to know where to learn what patterns I can weave

Comments

Sat, 10/15/2016 - 19:05

Hazel Fyrebird

Handweaving.net has a lot of  free drafts that are in the public domain.  Interweave press has books and magazines for purchase. If there's a guild near you, they may have a library of inspirational information. 

Sat, 10/15/2016 - 19:30

Queezle

While its frustrating in the beginning, its a fun learning process.  My advice for a beginner is to subscribe to Handwoven, where there are plenty of four-shaft projects that are completely described.  You can also join weaving today for free.  When you log in, there is a pull-down menu at the left, Weaving Project and Patterns.  There are some very nice projects with good descriptions.  There are also some classes here on weavolution that might be helpful - look at the top menu bar, "classes".  I have not tried these classes, but have heard good things about them.

And come back to share your experiences, frustrations, successes, and questions!

Sat, 10/15/2016 - 20:34

ReedGuy

Have a look at some of Andy Liesk's videos on youtube as well. He has a table loom, floor loom and Inkle.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxwuxWCf5Q8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbV6J_fTRkM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suGQGGOFiJI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g82klxUG3aI

Tue, 10/18/2016 - 00:06

missiesp

thank you for the great tips especially a Guild library! I hadn't thought of that one and I'm planning to join my local guild. 

Tue, 10/18/2016 - 00:13

missiesp

thanks Queezle there's some great resources there and absolutely I'll be back to share

Tue, 10/18/2016 - 00:16

missiesp

thanks ReedGuy for the video links. I've started watch them

Tue, 10/18/2016 - 05:25

Erica J

There are also thousands of drafts availalbe in the draft section here on Weavolution. I agree that warping from several drafts in the beginning is the best place to start. Then move onto copying the drafts by hand and using your hand drawn drafts, then it begins to really make sense.

Tue, 10/18/2016 - 10:57

[email protected]

When I returned to weaving after decades, drafts in software came up short for me in addressing the selvages.  I sometimes felt like adding plain weave borders to avoid the question of whether I needed floating selvages.

On occasion, my frustration has been fixed by changing the direction in which I am weaving so the shuttle can enter the shed more efficiently. This can even be the case in plain weave!  It is a bit like the differences in knitting styles when following directions. 

Wed, 10/19/2016 - 14:39

Queezle

Another thing to consider, though it does not address weave structures, is the video The Efficient Weaver, by Laura Fry.  Although I've been weaving off and on for more than 25 years, I recently purchased this (as download, its also offered as DVD), and learned a ton.  This video is like having a friend there to say "oh - you know - it might be better to do it this way". 

Wed, 10/19/2016 - 15:13

laurafry

Thanks Queezle - that was exactly the tone I was aiming for.  :)

I am now working on A Book.  Estimated publication date is by the end of 2017.  I'm hoping it will help people understand the subtleties of the craft.  It won't be a 'how to learn' book, necessarily, but a 'how to weave better' approach.  And again, hopefully, in the vein of "have you considered doing this".  Because it all depends.  Different looms, different weave structures, different *weavers* will need to do things differently.

I used to think 'my' way was the best way.  And it is - for *me*.  But we each have to approach the craft of weaving with our abilities and disabilities in mind and work with or around them, as appropriate.  :)

Anyone happy with my presentation would be kind if they would go to the Interweave Store and review the presentations.  ;)

And don't forget - the digital version of Magic in the Water is available for sale here on Weavo - go to the Magic in the Water group...

Wed, 10/19/2016 - 18:39

ReedGuy

I have both of your videos: "Wet Finishing for Weavers" and "The Efficient Weaver". I have enjoyed both of them. I have a number of Interweave videos for that matter and none have been disappointing. A video can only be so long and there is no way to cover everything. :)

Wed, 10/19/2016 - 20:00

Queezle

I watched the whole video start-to-finish when I first got it, but realized that I need to go through it much more slowly.  When I realized how much more control I had over the shuttle when holding it as you show (instead of palm down over the top) it was a relevation. 

I did submit a review, recently, but I do not know if its on the site yet.  I will follow through and make sure my review shows up.

Thu, 10/20/2016 - 01:28

missiesp

Thank you everyone for the great tips. It's amazing how only a week ago I was baffled looking at drafts - you know thinking they were some strange naughts and crosses grid to now seeing the heddle threading and shaft lifting order. 

Anyway, here's and update... I'm going to thread my loom up with some practice yarn tomorrow for my very first weave. I'm thinking of doing 100 ends at 20 ends per inch and threading the heddles in 1 2 3 4 order. Then just practice lifting shafts in certain groups. I guess I'll end up creating a sampler. Does this sound like a good place to start? 

Lastly, and I know this is such a basic request but can someone please point in the direction of where to learn basic weave names. I've made raddles and warping boards this week that my brain is fried with all the new terminology.