I'm working on a wall hanging and came across a pattern in a past issue of Handwoven. It was done on an 8 shaft loom and, although I know it's possible, it would be a pain to use 8 pick up sticks to mimic shafts. I'd like to do something in warp rep. Is it possible on a 2 shaft loom? I have not done any projects in warp rep ever. Not even on my 8 shaft floor loom. I want to do something on my rh loom and just wondered if this weave structure is possible in 2 shafts or not. TIA, Claudia

Comments

Thu, 02/20/2014 - 22:55

sally orgren

I am usually one to say "never say never" but in this case, I don't think I would try true Rep on a RH. Rep weave needs to be closely sett to cover the weft completely (it's a boundweave), and is typically woven under tight tension — because the warp is so compacted. This results in a fairly sturdy fabric for runners and rugs.

Yes, you can weave boundweave on 2 shafts — think Inkle weaving! That looks like Rep. A color is either on the top or on the bottom. With Inkle, there is no reed or RH, so you can pull the warps together to cover the weft as you weave and you use a beveled shuttle to really pack the weft in the shed.

Even if you could find a RH with a fine enough sett, you aren't really "beating" the weft with a RH, you are placing the weft in the shed. The resulting textile won't be as sturdy as real Rep. 

But, I believe you have a Glimakra floor loom — and THAT loom was designed and built to weave Rep beautifully and easily. Find something else for the RH, but DO try Rep on the Glimakra! (Our guild had Rosalie Nielson for a Rep workshop in the last few years, and it was wonderful!) I believe she is also teaching the topic at Convergence this summer.

Thu, 02/20/2014 - 23:56

ReedGuy

I think your going to need 4 shafts minimum for warp rep.

However weft rep can be done on two shafts.