How to fix warp threads that are too tight

Miscellaneous · 2 replies · 1957 views · 2 followers

purplejunque

almost 3 years ago

My first big warp on table loom with 8/2 cotton. I messed something up because several threads on one end are much tighter than the rest of the warp. Is there a way to fix this?

Sandra Mod

almost 3 years ago

How far along are you with the warp? Have you tied it on and if so, we’re you able to feel the tension difference when you “walked your hand” across the warp before you tied your final knots? How many threads are effected? Also, did you add a “buffer” to the length of your warp when you wound it? That might give you a bit of warp you can cut off so you can even the tension?

purplejunque

almost 3 years ago

It seemed ok initially. I have woven about 10 inches. But the tight threads were beginning to affect the ability to tension the rest. So I decided to wind all the warp to the front of the loom, I cut the threads off the rod and tied them on to the apron rod. I then began winding it back.... Had issues with the paper... but it seemed to be going ok then I started getting the same cords being too tight. I started winding them back onto the front rod. but forgot to put the separater back in... fixed that but the woven section was not uneven across the beater...Discovered that a warp thread had been broken...
All of this is just practice for me anyway. Since this is all new to me, I started with about 5 yards of warp. My first time using the warping mill.
The towel was beginning to look kinda nice... so that was encouraging but at this point can't get tension right so the shuttle doesn't go through smoothly--it either falls through or jumps up....
It was all the work to thread and sley....sigh. So I am considering cutting off in front of the reed and trying to figure out how to get the tension right and retie to the front apron. Would like to be able to use this warp to practice with the shuttle and changing sheds....
If it wasn't for covid I would have found some classes from the local guild but I am having to do this on my own. Jane's classes are phenomenal but having a live weaver around when things get screwy would be very useful. Thanks for whatever guidance you can provide.

Sandra Mod

almost 3 years ago

The only thing I can say is - we've all been there! I learned how to warp my first loom using a book and had lots of issues as you can imagine! You are learning to really understand how the warp goes onto the loom and that is a good thing! I'd go with your idea of cutting it off at the front of the reed and tieing it on again. Sometimes erratic behaviour by a shuttle is simply what happens when you are learning a new skill ;-) Keep at it - review Season 1 over again to see if you missed any tips the first time around - you'll get there!

purplejunque

almost 3 years ago

Thanks for the encouragement. I had someone recommend adding lease sticks to the back of the warp. I had removed them after I threaded but he suggested they would help with the tension when I wind the warp back on after I cut and pull warp to the front. At this stage there is so much to learn. I absolutely respect how critical it is to maintain even tension. I'm really looking forward to all the new experiences with weaving. Weaving will keep me balanced and sane for the next little while. It is wonderful to have the help and support of this community.