After tying a weaver's knot, is it okay to cut the tails very close to the knot? Normally I think one would weave the tails in but I'm working on a project with very fine threads and it will be almost impossible to weave them in.

Comments

Tue, 03/01/2016 - 20:54

kerstinfroberg

but: my favourite way of fixing knots in the warp is shown here. (assuming there is no situation that a knot is needed in the weft...)

To instead try to answer: one of my friends swears by a weaver's knot - says she uses them for everything, "'cos one can cut the tails immediately". (Mind you, I have never dared... which only shows what a wimp I am)

Wed, 03/02/2016 - 02:56

Dawn McCarthy

Isn't the primary purpose of the weavers knot for tying new threads pre weaving?  I omit knots in my weave by overlapping and/or pinning threads (for example with a broken warp thread) - this repair becomes virtually undetectable.  Not sure under what circumstance you are requiring a knot.  

Just curious as to why you need to cut the tails?  Sorry - still not an answer to your original question.  I think a general rule is don't trim tails until wet finished.

Dawn

 

Wed, 03/02/2016 - 18:38

Weavin Steven

If I have a warp end break I always use the pin/weaving method like Kirsten and Dawn describe. However if the break is behind the castle I first tie a knot with the old and new threads. This enables me to not have to thread the new end into the heddle and reed. It's often a hassle to find the empty heddle and the correct reed slot. After the knot threads itself through the heddle and reed, and reaches the front, I then cut the knot, overlap the old and new ends, use a pin, and then proceed as usual. 

The problem is with the knots I've used in the past is that the tails can play havoc with adjacent warp ends. The rising and sinking of sheds pulls the knot tails in all directions and can interfere with a clean shed. Hence the reason I'd like to find a knot in which I can clip the tails right away.

 

Sun, 03/06/2016 - 17:55

GiaG

I found 2 weaver's knots in a new bamboo cone I just starter using.  Is that acceptable?

Sun, 03/06/2016 - 18:33

danteen (not verified)

I tie a weaver's knot all the time.  Learned how on youtube here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySpWWUa7NLA

I often cut tails to 1/4" for the reasons you gave.   It is a tight knot and should not come out if tied and tightened correctly.