1. I have a 4/6 Mighty Wolf. When arranging the treadles for a 4 shaft pattern plus tabby, what is the best way to tie up? Do you put the pattern treadles in the middle and the tabbies on the outsides? Or do you put the 2 tabby tie ups on one side? Which side? Also, if it's 4-3-2-1, do you start the 4 on the right or left side? I hope that made sense. 2. Having only used a worsted weight unmercerized cotton so far, will I find a thinner yarn like 3/2 or 5/2 pearle cotton more difficult to warp and to weave? If so, what will make it more manageable? Still a beginner, Susanneroonie

Comments

Fri, 02/08/2013 - 16:49

endorph

a 4/6 MW - when I have a pattern that calles for 4 pattern treadles and 2 tabby, I usually tie up the tabby on the first two treadles from the left with the pattern treadles on the 4 to the right - don't know why I do that, just do. there is no right or wrong way - whatever you are most comfortable with. Just remember how you tied it up so your feet go to the right place! I actually have found I prefer weaving with finer cotons - 8/2 and 10/2 and have had no issues getting them beamed on, threaded and sleyed, so you should be fine. Just be aware that the mercerized cottons are a bit slicker than the unmercerized.
Fri, 02/08/2013 - 20:30

sequel (not verified)

Whatever works for you, try them all!  I have an 8 shaft, wide loom so I put my tabbies in the center due to short legs. 

When I weave compound weaves that combine tabby and pattern picks, I usually put one on the far left and one on the far right, so that I'll know when the shuttle is on the left, I use the tabby treadle on the left. 

If I'm weaving long twill scarves with a small tabby heading, I put the tabbies on the outside, weave the header, then disconnect the tabby treadles until I finish the twill area, and re-connect them for the end header.  That way there are fewer mistakes to be made.

Fri, 02/08/2013 - 20:48

ricatlga

I also have a 4 shaft loom.  I tend to end up with the tabby on the outside treadles.  This is because I want to move from one foot to the other. So when I treadle with my left foot, I'm throwing the shuttle to the left and vice versa.  Pattern treadles I sometimes change depending on how it feels.  But that might mean rewriting the treadling order.