I can't begin to explain how over the moon I am at the prospect of NOT having to use a temple, but I'm getting a significant amount of draw-in still (even with the proper technique) that I'm forced back into using a temple. It's not the end of the world, but I sure would appreciate some advice. I'm weaving on a Glimåkra Ideal under high tension and if I don't put a bit of braking on the bobbin coming out the other end of the shed, the selvedges get all soft & ruffley. Thanks so much for the help! I can't wait for the day I can chuck my temples under the bus!!!
Hi Jon, I have about 1/2” - 3/4” of draw-in per side. If you are not getting a smiley face then you aren’t drawing in too much. What you are getting is a nicely taped selvedge. Try increasing the angle of your weft before you beat because that will allow more weft into the shed and of course, beating on a open shed it key to all of this. Also you do need to advance more. I don’t know your loom but I can’t think of any reason this technique won’t work. Once you have your selvedges lovely and clean and you want your piece to be wider then you just build that extra width into the piece knowing you are going to draw in. There is a lovely video in Season 1 where I sit a young girl down at the loom who has never woven before...she was getting perfect selvedges within15 minutes. I hope you can chuck your temples under the bus :)