Hi,

I'd like to introduce myself. my name is Duane. I have been weaving for a couple years using a Rigid Heddel loom. I enjoy it, and have learned much

mostly due to my many mistakes along the way. Id like to learn backstrape weaving, and am considering making my own loam, not real difficult. What I have been looking for though is a good book on the process, preferable for the beginner.Id be interested in any that might be a available.

Duane R

Comments

Sun, 09/08/2013 - 21:57

rosearbor (not verified)

Laverne Waddington has become the go-to person on this technique.  She has a fabulous blog, and has written a couple of books that can be purchased and downloaded from links on her wordpress site.

You may want to start with her introduction here: http://www.weavezine.com/content/backstrap-basics

Then go on down the rabbit hole at her blog!  Warning- many hours of browsing ahead.   http://backstrapweaving.wordpress.com

She travels around giving workshops- well worth it if she's ever in your area.  

Sun, 09/08/2013 - 23:15

sarahnopp (not verified)

I agree with rosearbor. I did a study of backstrap for college a couple years ago. Laverne offered the very best information out there, and I researched it all! She has great videos, excellent instructions, clear photos and her books are quite helpful.

You are correct that assembling the loom sticks will not be difficult. A couple things that I found really helpful was adding tie off holes to the ends of each stick or dowel. This is especially helpful on the heddle bars, and cross sticks, as I managed to drop those out when I was learning how to maintain tension LOL 

Also, if you haven't considered how you will beat your weaving, this is what I did. I made my own sword beater! It is one of my very favorite weaving tools. I went to a lumber shop and found some maple trim with a taper along one edge. I got about a yard cut, comfortable for my reach. Then I removed a bit from each end to creat a taper, as in the picture here. I sanded it satiny smooth, up to either 400 or 600 grit, and touched it with a light coat of mineral oil. it is just lovely to touch and handle and look at, and it is strong enough and heavy enough to do the job nicely.sword beater made from maple trim piece

Mon, 09/09/2013 - 00:12

dribron

Thank you both for the great help. I just ordered one of her books. I am certainly not ready for it, but hope to be at some point. Tomarow I will buy some dowels and trim, then either this week, or next weekend I should get everything cut and ready to go. I am on-call every other week, wich I hate. But next weekend is my off. I hope to be able to do a small plain strap soon after, then maybe a wider one for my back strap. My first back strap with have to be rope, and a small pillow.. lol

 

Mon, 09/09/2013 - 00:38

sarahnopp (not verified)

After I had tried backstrap a bit, I found this charming little kit by Harrisville. It is marketed to children, but works just fine for me. http://www.harrisville.com/product-p/f546.htm

There is no actual strap, as it is intended for small things which don't need a lot of tension, just a string for around the waist. It was money well spent, in my opinion.

Mon, 09/09/2013 - 01:26

dribron

I seen that kit, have thought about it abit. I may even buy it for small stuff if I find that Backstrap is something I can do. At first I think making one might be good, I love doing stuff like that.

Mon, 09/09/2013 - 02:14

sarahnopp (not verified)

The little cloth beam tensioner at your belt is the best bit :)

Mon, 09/09/2013 - 02:33

dribron

Thank you both for the great help. I just ordered one of her books. I am certainly not ready for it, but hope to be at some point. Tomarow I will buy some dowels and trim, then either this week, or next weekend I should get everything cut and ready to go. I am on-call every other week, wich I hate. But next weekend is my off. I hope to be able to do a small plain strap soon after, then maybe a wider one for my back strap. My first back strap with have to be rope, and a small pillow.. lol

 

Tue, 09/10/2013 - 00:38

dribron

Okay so I bought a few dowels and cut them to 20". Now I need to decide if I should just drill holes on the end, or cut notches. Staining them is another thing I may do. Decisions, desisions.

Tue, 09/10/2013 - 02:11

rosearbor (not verified)

I went pretty low tech with mine- I just use rubber bands on the ends- keeps things from slipping off.  My first backstrap was one Laverne recommended (and I'm embarrassed to say I've never used anything but this)-  an old pillowcase, accordion pleated, the ends wrapped and knotted tightly with cotton braiding or cotton rope, which are then tied around my waist.  You can fan out the pllow case so that it doesn’t cut into you like a belt or a rope. The idea was to use that while I wove a real backstrap, but I never got around to it.

Tue, 09/10/2013 - 02:46

dribron

Yeah, I'm inbetween, spending a bit of time on the loom, or just get ur done and warp her up ... lol

Fri, 12/27/2013 - 10:54

Luisa

Weaving is a method of fabric production in which two distinct sets of yarns or threads are interlaced at right angles to form a fabric or cloth. The other methods are knitting, lace making, felting, and braiding or plaiting. The longitudinal threads are called the warp and the lateral threads are the weft or filling.that which is woven.The method in which these threads are inter woven affects the characteristics of the cloth. Get swords