Four factors are considered in the classification of wool fibres; count, staple length, crimp and lustre: Count: The traditional classification of wool fibre was done using the ‘Bradford Count’ which represented the greatest length of yarn that could be spun from 1lb (454g) of the wool fibre. The fibre was spun into yarn which was […]
Author Archives: Ian Bowers
18
Jun
Jun
Understanding Weaving Loom Shed The shed is the space between raised and lowered warp threads in which the weft passes through. Floor looms have a range of mechanisms for creating the shed; each has its benefits and disadvantages. The shed shown in the image right demonstrates how the warp is lifted and separated. This small […]
10
Jun
Jun
Selecting a Reed Collecting reeds is often found in the committed weaver. Although it is possible to sley a reed with a wide mix of ends through adjacent dents, to achieve the desired pattern of ends across the width, the call for a new reed is often irresistible. The notes below are a guide in […]
08
May
May
The choice of a weaving loom is very personal. Many factors influence the decision and these are discussed in general terms below. Equipment costs and the type of weaving loom has to be considered along with the type of fabric to be produced. Loom design is a series of compromises. A balance has to be […]
30
Apr
Apr
The autodenter is most helpful for sleying the reed when threading the warp onto the weaving loom back-to-front. You can work left-to-right or right-to-left across the reed, whichever your handedness prefers. The Autodenter Looking at the autodenter you will see that it is made of two distinct parts, a wooden handle with two short metal […]
15
Jan
Jan
The range of looms featured on the George Weil website are built by skilled craftsmen from long established manufacturers. There are the GAV Glim¥kra AB looms from Sweden, the Louet looms from the Netherlands, the Schacht looms from America and the Ashford looms from New Zealand. The extended range of looms and other craft materials […]
19
Oct
Oct
The value of a length of woven material lies primarily in the time taken in design, loom preparation, the weaving and the fabric finishing. The cost of the weaving yarn is generally a very small proportion of the final value. At first sight there is a huge range of yarns available to the hand loom […]
24
Apr
Apr
The Schacht End-Delivery Shuttle is designed especially and precisely for handweavers. It is lightweight, comfortable to throw and catch, adjustable to a variety of yarns, and easy to thread. The shuttle has a pirn which remains stationary, instead of a free-spinning bobbin. The weft yarn unwinds off the pirns tip when the shuttle is in […]