I'm new at weaving, I have about 10 projects under my belt so far.  Floor loom 48" Macomber.

My problem is on just about every full width project, 48", I get the warp tension just perfect and even, start weaving but as I progress with the piece, the tension increases on the left & right outer edge, resulting in broken warps, uneven tension, very frustrating.  Very perplexed, I thought this is a result of draw in, so I got a weaving temple, same thing.  Any help or suggestions, is this a typical problem or am I doing something very wrong. 

Comments

Tue, 09/27/2011 - 19:37

laurafry

Without being able to see what you are doing, I suspect excessive draw in.  When you used the temple, did you set it so that it was the same length as the width of the warp ***in the reed***?  If not, the draw in can still be excessive.

I have several video clips on You Tube showing how I hold and throw the shuttle.  They may be of some assistance to you.  I'll find the link and post it for you.

cheers,

Laura

Tue, 09/27/2011 - 19:38

laurafry

http://www.youtube.com/user/LauraAnnFry1#p/u/22/tg2ZqO1X-Qs

I also blog about weaving.  You may find helpful hints and tips there.

http://laurasloom.blogspot.com

cheers,

Laura

Wed, 09/28/2011 - 01:48

Sara von Tresckow

How are you winding your warp and what are you using forr packing material.

What you describe could be the result of the warp spreading on the beam under stiff packing paper and hiding the fact that the warp has a cigar shape - high in the middle and spread thinner on the outside edges. This is enough to cause the tightening that you mention.

The warp on the beam MUST be as close to a perfect cylinder as possible. Using beam sticks will show you how cylindrical your warp is better than corrugated or stiff wallpaper.

Wed, 09/28/2011 - 14:28

abragalone

Sara, I think this must be the problem, beam sticks? I have never heard or used them, I hate using paper & worse corregated cardboard roll, I never get it on correct.  Can you point me in the direction of beam sticks, what do they look like, thanks Sara

Wed, 09/28/2011 - 14:29

abragalone

thank you Laura, I will check it out!

Wed, 09/28/2011 - 14:55

Erica J

The lack of paper or warping sticks generally is the culprit. Glimakra offers them, http://glimakrausa.com/pdf/pricelist.pdf They appear on PG 6, Glimakra will cut them into any length. Halcyon Yarn also offers them, http://halcyonyarn.com/sphider/search.php?query=warping+sticks&search=1 The important measurements is your actual back beam at it's narrowest point, as ratchets often times take up space there. Googling warping sticks then clicking on images provides several pictures. Good luck