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

Tue, 09/10/2013 - 05:44

laurafry

You could just wind a somewhat longer warp and do some sampling at the beginning of your weaving, just to make sure you are going to be pleased with your results. Otherwise, studying collections of samples or even commercial fabric can teach a lot about type of yarn, density and weave structure. Cheers Laura
Tue, 09/10/2013 - 22:00

danteen (not verified)

Sampling costs time, more than it costs yarn, most of the time.

And having a project that does not have the result you expect, from guessing and not sampling first, can waste the yarn and/or time you spent to weave it.

You can do as Daryl Lancaster does.  Wind your warp with about 1/2 yard extra in length, weave it for several inches with each of your proposed wefts, cut those off and wet-finish to see which you like the best.  You have the possibility of losing less than 1/2 yard that way.  If you find the sett is off you can adjust it somewhat by resleying wider or narrower at that point before weaving again.  Re-sleying does not take as much time as completely re-warping.

The more you try different yarns and projects the more you will know and  might not have to do as much sampling.  So I guess, I'd say it gets more economical as you gain knowledge.