I am about to think about what to warp my rigid heddle loom up and am beginning to think about finishing in different ways - currently I have just knotted a few warp ends together.

When I start looking into this there seems to be some info on hem stitching as a finish but if you want a symmetric piece of weaving I can't work out how this can be done.

Anyway what can I do to have a symmetric piece of weaving with a more advanced start (and finish) than knots?

MAny thanks as always

Paul

Comments

Sun, 12/01/2013 - 13:57

Artistry

Paulz It's in the details, isn't it? I love the creative aspect of finishing textiles. A good place to start with your hemstitching , since it can be a basic step for other things, is Virginia West's book Finishing Touches for the Handweaver. ( I'm away from home so can't quickly reference my library to check the correct title) . She has clear instructions and if you have problems visualizing how to do the end, just turn the book around so the fell line is oriented to yours, becomes straight forward. She has many lovely finishes. I do most of my finishing off loom. I do however usually start with a hemstitch with the piece on the loom under tension, to keep everything in place. You could use twining, I had it slip on me once though on silk. From there, I have done coiling. You can use different colored silks, raffia, whatever is suitable and exciting for your piece. Another thing you can do is after hemstitching and off the loom, is to spilt the hemstich groups apart and knot them to their adjacent neighbors, you will see design possibilities for a couple of rows. This is very elegant with silk shawls. It really depends on what you want to make? Some rug techniques may be suitable. Let 's see what others say! Cathie
Sun, 12/01/2013 - 14:11

endorph

hemstitching - its really not that difficult - and I agree with Cathie - Virginia West's book is very helpfl on finishing techniques. I have also done a crochet chain across the ends while still on the loom - not sure how to explain that. . . .

 

Tina

Sun, 12/01/2013 - 14:57

kerstinfroberg

There is a group here called scarf borders and finishes, maybe you can get some inspiration there?

Also, in Collingwood's books (available from handweaving.net) there are lots of finishes. (Yes, the books are about rugs, but several of the finishes are appropriate for lightweight abrics too)

Have fun!

Sun, 12/01/2013 - 17:05

laurafry

Not sure what you mean by a symmetric piece. It is possible to hem stitch both ends on the loom. It takes a bit of a mental flip flop, but once you figure it out, it's a nice way to secure the ends of your weaving. I use a stitch I learned from Shirley Held's book Weaving, but there are many different stitches that can be used. Cheers Laura
Sun, 12/01/2013 - 22:13

mneligh

I was taught to start and finish with a row of twining between the weaving and the knots.  It holds the weaving well.  You can also use twining decoratively within the piece.  I have a Turkish kilim with that detail, for example.

Mon, 12/02/2013 - 11:32

ReedGuy

I would think taking the same weft yarn and twining to bind the warp with the woven weft would secure it sufficiently until you get it hemmed, either my machine or hand. Tuck the tails into the weaving.

Mon, 12/02/2013 - 15:32

paulz

I was looking for something completely different and have come across this - page 16 onward - just what I wanted. I will have to try a couple of these out to see what they look like. Why is there always something to look forward to in weaving???http://www.cs.arizona.edu/patterns/weaving/periodicals/wj_06.pdf

Paul

Mon, 12/02/2013 - 16:25

laurafry

But that's exactly why I continue to be fascinated by the creation of cloth...always something more to learn!  :D

cheers,

Laura

Mon, 12/02/2013 - 16:59

Artistry

Paulz, Beautiful finishes! If that's what you're after, then check out the Peter Collingwoods Books, as Kerstin suggested. Many finishes like that. Although, it looks like you have a lot to get you started:) Have fun! Cathie
Mon, 12/02/2013 - 18:50

jlread (not verified)

Paulz...what a great booklet...packed with tons of info and even plans for looms....sheep breeds...weaving stuff....WOW!!!!!