I'm finding that as a novice weaver, if I try to get a neat selvedge I get too much draw-in and conversely, that if I don't get draw-in then I end up with loops protruding from the selvedge.  Should I bow to the inevitable or would the use of a "temple" help me.  Any other guidance much appreciated!

Comments

Mon, 11/07/2011 - 12:46

EvaHall

When you place the weft in the shed, be sure to give enough yarn. I usually place the yarn in a big arc across the shed before I draw the beam. Sometimes a temple will be a good idea, especially with a wide weaving, but first you should make sure you give enough yarn.

Eva

Mon, 11/07/2011 - 12:50

Badfaerie (not verified)

You might want to try an end feed shuttle as well. I find that the end feed is much less "fiddly" when it comes to the selvedges.

Mon, 11/07/2011 - 15:07

sally orgren

Try breaking down your technique into small steps. After you throw the shuttle, try giving it a small tug/snap before changing sheds. This adjusts that little bit at the selvedge, leaving the rest of the slack as suggested before for take up. Try not to pick at the selvedge after the throw. Just change sheds and beat. Also, having a properly wound shuttle helps a lot. Wind the bobbin or pirn so it is rock-hard. I use a piece of leather between my fingers when winding to make sure I am winding it tight.

Mon, 11/07/2011 - 15:39

Sara von Tresckow

In addition to the advice above - PRACTICE will improve your techique.

It is amazing how many novice weavers get in a hurry to be "perfect" and forget to slow down and be somewhat analytic in the beginning until it becomes fairly easy to plan and execute a project.

We're talking about muscle coordination and memory here - there are no tips, tricks or magic tools that will give you a quicker path to what you deem success.

And yes, a temple is something you should look into - I have plans for a simple weighted one you can make here:

www.woolgatherers.com/id105.htm

Inistructions on how to make and use are found there.

Tue, 11/08/2011 - 02:37

Joanne Hall

You need to get a temple.  Here is information from our weaving FAQ about why:

http://glimakrausa.com/faq.html

Joanne

 

Tue, 11/08/2011 - 12:36

Mike (not verified)

Thank you for all the very helpful replies.  I particularly like the "paperclip" system which I shall try first.  Then, maybe, I shall purchase a "temple".

Tue, 11/08/2011 - 12:51

tommye scanlin

I used the temple described by Sara very successfully on a wide piece.  Yes, give it a try!

Tommye

Tue, 11/08/2011 - 16:03

kerstinfroberg

but remember: practice (in itself) does not make perfect - the only thing practice makes is *habit*. If it is a bad habit...