I wove a 40 inch blanket on my AVL, I found the tension at the selvedges to become progressively loose as I wove causing the fabric to become "wavy".  I checked the tension at the beam and it was consistent.  The tension at the fell is not.  

I noticed that the cloth apron for the auto advance is very loose at the outer edges, almost wavy?  I Had recently washed the apron and wonder if this caused the apron to become saggy?  Any input would be appreciated.  I had this problem on a run of narrow towels but thought it was poor beaming.  I am going to weave a blanket using the sticky beam and see if it is indeed the beaming, the issue appeared to get progressively worse after several inches of weaving.  The sag was very noticeable at the outer edges of the apron.  Any input appreciated?

Dawn

Comments

ReedGuy

Check on some writings by Joanne on here about aprons. If memory serves, finnicky aprons can cause tension troubles. My memory might be a little foggy on this. Also remember I'm just a beginner, but maybe this will get you some information. Seems to me a very long warp would be more troublesome because of the uneveness created with the wraping of the cord in the apron. That's just a thought to ponder. By I seem to remember that washing the apron often causes distortion.

kerstinfroberg

If using the sticky beam "alone" works, perhaps it would work to weave a header and tighten the selvages on the sticky beam, to tighten the edges? (Does that make sense? I know what I mean, but it is not always easy to put into words)

Dawn McCarthy

When looking at the apron, the center portion appears smooth/taught but the outer 4 -6 inches on either side appears wavy as if the outside of the apron stretched (it is not on the bias and is a regular canvas apron that was washed).  I will switch aprons and see if it makes a difference

Bonnie Inouye (not verified)

Dawn, I think you have the answer. Aprons should be smooth. Stretched parts 4-6 inches on each side might not matter with a narrow warp- one that does not use the last 6 inches on either side. But I think you need to replace this apron.

Dawn McCarthy

Here is the apron

 

Very wavy, it feels like it lost it's body.  I will put on the other apron and try again.  Lesson observed, do not wash aprons!

ReedGuy

I hope you can get it figured out and fixed up to weave properly again. Have a good one.

design2weave (not verified)

I just thought I would mention that the manual for my AVL PDL states DO NOT WASH the apron. This is in the section about the auto advance optional equipment that came with my loom. I have been painstakenly putting the loom back together after it sat in an attic storage room for 15 years. I was working on trying to set up the auto advance this past weekend when I read about not washing the apron.
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