I'm using 8/2 unmercerized cotton, threaded two/dent for  napkins in plain weave, and wonder if I should pack the selvedges.  Is that the right term?  If so, do I put three threads through the last two dents, or double to 4 threads per dent?  

Thanks, Jane

Comments

Wed, 04/27/2011 - 16:13

Joanne Hall

Hi Jane,

Doubled selvages are usually used on rugs which will get a lot of wear on the floor, as it is the edges which wear first.  For most weaving, there is no need to double the selvage.  It can help with a 5 shaft satin, as the selvage thread is caught only once every fifth weft, so doubling it may make it wear longer.  But for most weaving, the edge will look better if it has not been doubled.

If you are concerned about draw-in or for help with weaving, just use a temple and you will not have any problems.  Beaming the warp tightly will prevent the selvage edges from getting loose.

Joanne

Thu, 04/28/2011 - 11:26

loomroomcat (not verified)

I use double threads at the selvedges on almost everything I weave, scarves, blankets, shawls.  I just like the finish it gives.  I double sley the last 4 dents on each side.  Sometimes on blankets, I double sley the last 6 dents.  Everyone has their preferred technique.

Thu, 04/28/2011 - 11:26

loomroomcat (not verified)

I use double threads at the selvedges on almost everything I weave, scarves, blankets, shawls.  I just like the finish it gives.  I double sley the last 4 dents on each side.  Sometimes on blankets, I double sley the last 6 dents.  Everyone has their preferred technique.

Thu, 04/28/2011 - 15:01

Joanne Hall

I know that you are weaving napkins and I don't know what your yarn will look like if you doubled the selvage threads.  But I don't like the look of doubled warp threads on a rag rug.  I set up a loom many years ago (about 30) for my classes.  Since I was not using seine twine, but ordinary unbleached 8/4 cotton, I knew that it was not as strong.  So, I doubled two selvage threads on each side.  All the rugs from that warp had a white stripe on the edge and I didn't like the way it looked.  It was very distracting from the weft stripes in the rugs. 

So, for each project you need to determine what your purpose is and try to predict how it will look.  You could try the first one without craming or doubling the selvage and see what it looks like.  It if is fine, then just continue. 

If you decide to experiment with the selvages, sleying closer at the selvage or even doubling them in the heddles, here is what you do.  Weave an extra inch and weave in a stick.  Cut off the first napkin leaving that one inch with the stick.  You can put glue on this one inch of fabric so that you can lace it up later.  Stitch the cut edges of the napkin, measure and wash.  Then you can determine the amount of shrinkage and you will see what the napkin looks like.  Then if you  want to change the selvage, you can do that.  Then lace up the stick and continue weaving.  The stick makes it so that you do not have to tie up again.  And the glue on the one inch of weaving will make sure that it holds.

Joanne