Setting up your warp

Setting Up Your Warp

Just as we did in the last project, we will set up the loom by adding the warp strings first, this time on a larger scale.

Putting Your Warp Strings Onto the Loom

STEP 1: Place your frame sideways onto the table and secure it to the table with clamps if you have them.

STEP 2: Decide on the width of your central section. This will be your weaving area.

STEP 3: Within the weaving area, use a ruler and a permanent marker to measure 0.5-inch intervals the top of the frame on the inside edge. If you are using multiple colours, you can mark on the frame where you will use each colour.

STEP 4: Repeat the same measurements along the bottom inside edge of your frame so that they line up with those at the top.

STEP 5: Tie the end of your warp yarn onto the loom at the first mark on the bottom of the frame using a double knot, making sure it is tight and secure.

STEP 6: Take the spool of the warp yarn in your hand and feed it across the front of the frame and line it up with the corresponding mark.

STEP 7: Then take the yarn over and behind the top edge and then back through the middle of the loom to feed it over the front of the bottom edge, lining it up with the second mark.

STEP 8: Loop it under the loom and through the centre to reach the front of the top edge at the second corresponding mark.

STEP 9: Again, take it behind and back through the middle of the loom so that you reach the front of the bottom edge at the third mark.

STEP 10: Keep repeating this process until you reach the final mark or the end of that colour.

STEP 11: Make sure the warp thread is pulled taut throughout. The tension should feel like a drum.

STEP 12: When you reach the finishing point, cut the warp yarn leaving 2 to 3 inches of excess, and secure it to the frame with a double knot while ensuring that you maintain the tension.

STEP 13: If you are using an additional colour, tie the new colour right next to the colour you have just finished with and then carry on with the same sequence and process of weaving it onto your loom.

STEP 14: Continue this process until you have filled your weaving section with warp strings.