Has anyone had experience using a hand-held knotter tool to dummy warp their loom? A friend of mine who was in the textile industry showed me one on-line and suggested I try it the next time I tie on a warp. But, I wasn't sure it was practical. However, if it could save me from tying 600+ knots, I'd certainly be interested. And, does anyone know where I can find a used one?

Comments

Thu, 09/12/2013 - 15:31

SallyE (not verified)

I have one that I got on ebay, and had planned to use it to tie on a warp.   I got it out and discovered that it handles threads that are too fine for the warp I had planned to use it for.

So, my advice is to know that different units are required for different sized threads.   If you get one, get one that matches what you usually use for a warp.

 

Fri, 09/13/2013 - 22:01

Bonnie Inouye (not verified)

Sandra Rude does several high-end shows selling her woven items. She bought a knotter after researching them well, and she uses hers. She wrote about it in her blog, which you can find with a quick search. These knotters are only practical if you tie on a lot of threads, fairly often, and can find one for the size of yarn that you use. Since you need more knots with a fine yarn, and the industry uses fine yarns, that's what is out there- but at least 3 sizes for super-fine, not quite as fine, etc.

Bonnie

Sat, 09/14/2013 - 14:12

Betty Johnson

Thanks for the information. I realize there are different sizes and one size may not fit all. I just wonder whether these things are practical at all, even if you have the correct size. Are they more trouble than they're worth? When I'm tying 700+ knots, it sure seems like it would be a time saver.

 

Sun, 09/15/2013 - 18:14

Bonnie Inouye (not verified)

Do read Sandra Rude's blog as she gives a full account, and she uses her knotter. It sounds like it is worth buying and learning how to use one if you need to tie a lot of knots in the same size of yarn quite frequently. These are used routinely in production, especially for Jacquard looms because you never worry about changing the threading on those and they are frequently used with more than 60 epi and often with wider warps (for yardage).

I thought about it while I was producing series of items for high-end shows for several years. Now that my focus has changed, I seldom tie onto a warp and am glad I resisted buying a knotter.

Bonnie Inouye