Good morning, weavers!

I am thinking along the lines of bandweaving with synthetics to make trimmings for nylon backbacks, outerwear and outdoor furniture.  I thought of polypropylene because I remember touring a hammock handweaving concern that used polypro rope for its resistance to sun and water rot.  Any ideas on sources for fine threads made of polypro, or even nylon?

Comments

Wed, 05/03/2017 - 18:30

[email protected]

I undertook a project using the materials that interest you but could never make it work. I could not get adequate dye penetration for needed color match and the fibers did not engage one another adequately to create stable cloth for a floor mat. 

Have not revisited since 1970s but will be interested in your experiences.

Francine

 

Thu, 05/04/2017 - 01:20

sandra.eberhar…

Not sure how fine you are looking for, but I would suggest a supplier of marine fabrics and notions; Sailrite comes to mind.  I would suggest neither polypropylene (very stiff) or nylon (changes in size with temperature and frays easily).  Marine fabrics that need to withstand high usage (sails) are made of polyester (Dacron) that is treated to be UV resistant.  Polyester thread is available in several sizes and colors from marine suppliers.  Polyester thread for sailmaking is UV resistant. Control lines on a sailboat may be some very exotic fibers( Dineema, Kevlar, Spectra), but are usually covered with a polyester cover for abrasion resistance.

Thu, 05/04/2017 - 02:14

Missus T.

Thank you for the conversation! What about 100 percent polyester sewing thread, like Guterman?  Have either of you tried to weave with this?  Fool's errand?

Thu, 05/04/2017 - 15:42

sandra.eberhar…

People do weave with sewing thread; Interweave's Twill Thrills has a project using sewing thread.  I have tried it and hated it. It was very springy and just hard to work with.   May have been the type that I used.  The marine sewing thread is much heavier and UV resistant.

Sat, 05/06/2017 - 18:18

Sara von Tresckow

Sewing thread is a tight 3-ply that weaves into fabrics with a horrid hand - no matter the fiber. I have even seen a sample of Guterman silk thread woven into a faille clutch that had an ugly feel to it. I do use braided dacron fishing line for heddles and other cordage uses, but I'm thinking that marine tapes, like many things depend on not only proper materials, but industrial equipment that we have no access to.
Sun, 05/07/2017 - 00:20

sandra.eberhar…

Well, if you are looking for woven tape to use for furniture and backpack trim, the hand of the fabric may be less important than the durability.  There is  company called Fishpond that makes small backpacks and fishing gear with very interesting woven trim.  This trim is very densly woven, so I think Sara has a good point.  There is a lot of this type of trim available;  I myself would be hesitant about spending the time to make something with trim that may not be durable enough. 

 

Sun, 05/07/2017 - 02:56

Missus T.

I really appreciate all the wisdom and experience you all bring to this discussion.  My weaving time would be better spent on other fibers!