Is there a method of sampling that doesn't waste too much thread? I started off as a rag rug weaver and there wasn't much need for sampling. :D

Comments

Thu, 09/12/2013 - 13:46

Vicki Allen (not verified)

If you are sampling to determine sett or shrinkage or some factor where working a small piece of the exact fabric you want is important, then you will have to use enough to be able to see if the result is what you are aiming for. If you want to see in a general way if colors work together, or how an interlacement works, you can take a piece of cardboard and make slits in the top and bottom edges. Wind your warp around the cardboard and then interlace your weft in the pattern you desire. It is a good tool for playing around with ideas.

Thu, 09/12/2013 - 21:21

Jeannie (not verified)

I was afraid that was going to be the answer. Sigh, impatience and parsimony are not virtues. Thanks for the reply.

Fri, 09/13/2013 - 09:46

ReedGuy

Well, don't dispare. Sampling is part of the art of weaving and you learn how yarn behaves with various weave structures and sett. Keep good notes for next time. :)

Wed, 10/09/2013 - 18:29

loomyladi (not verified)

since I have actually started sampling before I weave I make few mistakes in preparing a project and have much nicer results.  My earliest weaving mentors just said, "do it this way..." and they did not sample.  However, looking back they made the same basic pieces and they knew their fiber and how it would work.  As I explore new fibers and new patterns I find that I can have more control by taking the extra time to sample first.  These samples are not wasteful, quite the contrary if you take the time to document what you did, what you used etc they can be useful tools in designing in the future.  Goodluck.