Hello to All!  I am fairly new to weaving and brand new to Weavolution, and I have a question that I hope I can phrase clearly.  I want to weave a scarf using a pattern that calls for two alternating colors of warp threads. I have read that I can wind the warp on the warping board using two threads at a time (one of each color).  I also see that I need  to be careful to keep a finger between the threads to prevent twisting.  What I have not seen  is whether the two threads go above and below the posts forming the cross TOGETHER (that is, essentially as one thread) or whether I must separate the two threads as the cross is formed.  Any guidance would be much appreciated!  Oh, I should say that I warp back to front if that makes a difference.

Comments

Fri, 09/20/2013 - 19:26

laurafry

You don't need to do anything with the two ends at the cross, just wind them two by two.

Welcome to the wonderful world of weaving.  :)

cheers,

Laura

Fri, 09/20/2013 - 19:30

kerstinfroberg

If your colours are differnt enough to clearly see the difference, it is easiest to let them go together in the cross. (It is often easier to wind onto the beam with two or more ends together).

If the colours are very similar (light blue and slightly lighter blue, fo instance) it will help to pick a thread-by thread cross.

When warping with both colours together, and making a (say) log cabin type of pattern, it can happen that the threading order calls for two ends of the same colour between blocks. It is quite possible just to switch colours - the two ends will seem to "twist", but if you had the finger between them, they will not "twist", they just change order.

(If your colours are very similar in value a thread-by-thread cross will save your eyesight, if not your sanity...)

Have fun!

Sat, 09/21/2013 - 10:26

ReedGuy

If you end up doing a twist as you do the return trip around the warp board/mill you will end up with a mirror effect instead of alternating color. So watch your self as you make the turn on the outter pegs. On my mill, I always start one way with the palm down, and return with palm up. There is no twist so colors alternate. What the yarn does is 'cross under' at the turn peg, not a twist. Once you get the idea, all you have to worry about is counting the passes and maybe marking groups with a count string. :)

Sat, 09/21/2013 - 11:15

Bennett

Thanks, that's what I needed to know! Bennett
Sat, 09/21/2013 - 16:12

laurafry

I don't find that the threads changing position pose any particular problem - just select the correct thread during threading as Kerstin mentions.  If you are interested in how I wind a warp:  http://tiny.cc/34nfyw

cheers,

Laura

Sat, 09/21/2013 - 18:35

ReedGuy

I find the cross holds the correct sequence as it should. But Kerstin and Laura are right, just draw one then the other to alternate. I think chances of error creep in when the mind drifts and looses vocus and when more colors or colored stripes enter the picture. I just like to keep things neat and tidy and ordered, on the loom. When it comes to house work, well .. lets talk about weaving. :)