i've just warped up my Beka rigid heddle loom after 20+years to weave a mohair shawl. (I've been weaving on a pocket loom and locker hooking rugs.) I followed the directions in the pattern: 6 epi, 120 warp ends. I used my 12 dent heddle, threading every other slot and hole. Now that I've tied the warp on, I'm concerned that the holes are on the small side.  I'm wondering how to deal with this: do I continue, and hope for the best? Or rethread, using a 5epi heddle, and double up on some of the warp threads?

i would welcome any insights.

cheers,

marina

 

 

Comments

Thu, 11/26/2015 - 17:48

Sara von Tresckow

You'd do best by using the 5 dent reed and doubling a few ends or even not threading them. You are right about the small holes. Also, mohair used as warp and plain weave needs a wide, even sett - otherwise it will be stiff and boardy.

If the hairy nature gets sticky, control it with a little spray starch.

Thu, 11/26/2015 - 23:44

marinabondi

i appreciate the response. I'll let you know how it goes.

Thu, 11/26/2015 - 23:45

marinabondi

i appreciate the response. I'll let you know how it goes.

Fri, 11/27/2015 - 16:19

kerstinfroberg

Now I am confused: how can one double ends in a rigid heddle and still maintain a regular (1-1) plain weave? Wouldn't the occasional 1-2 show, or are you relying on the mohair "halo" to obscure it?

Fri, 11/27/2015 - 16:32

Sara von Tresckow

YOu can place 2 ends in a hole and 2 ends in a slot if you really want to keep all warped ends, or you can double the edge threads in the same manner - just like 2 ends in the heddle in some floor loom instructions.

Fri, 11/27/2015 - 16:37

marinabondi

hi,

that's a good point. since the warp is already on the loom, I'm going to hope for the best and double up through out intermittently. 

any other thoughts out there?

thanks!