Weaving with linen warp

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nancy

over 4 years ago

I am weaving the Heirloom Linen Towels; this is my second time for making these and I love them. However, I continually have issues with the linen keeping taut and even tension. There are always a few threads (especially the selvedges, but random other threads) I have to hang some tension on from the back of the loom. I am weaving 6 towels and removed the first 3 so I could tie on again, to even the tension. Is there a secret to weaving with linen warp? I am aware this is not unusual for linen to loosen up. Thank you for a fun pattern and weaving adventure and any help you can provide!

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Jane Stafford Mod

over 4 years ago

Hi Nancy, it really is how you make your warp. You have to push back each thread on the dowels so they are all the same length. The linen does not stretch, it is like wire, that is why the making of the warp is so important. If you push back on the dowel after a couple of threads rather than after each one, those fellers might be a little longer and then you see that difference in the warp. I'm glad you are enjoying this pattern, it is so lovely. The more you work with linen and pay attention to those little details, the better it gets. Hope this helps, Cheers,Jane

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nancy

over 4 years ago

Awwww--it starts way back there! I will remember that for the next batch. I did make two chains for it, so I wouldnt have to cram so many threads against each other, trying to prevent that. But I'll pay more attention next time.

Thank you for your quick and helpful response!

Marsha Lynn Duggan

almost 2 years ago

Hi Jane
I want to make linen bath sheets. I read to use 8/2 cottolin for the warp add pure linen for the weft. What pure linen should I use for this?
This is my first. I eventually would like to do 100% linen.
Marsha

Jane Stafford Mod

almost 2 years ago

Hi Marsha, I would use the 16/2 organic linen, it is a little heavier than the 8/2 cotton. You could also use a 20/2 as well, it would be closer to the 8/s cottolin. Hope this helps :)

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Cheryl Schwarz

almost 2 years ago

I used tow linen as the weft for my cottolin warp bath sheets. I think I posted the photos under What's on your loom in March.

diane gordon

about 2 months ago

Cheryl your bath sheets are lovely. I have some 100% lino flax linen by Lana Gatto (1,627 YPP) that I want to use for a window shade using Jane's cramming and denting episode as a guideline. I'm not sure how well the lino flax will weave. Have you worked with it? I watched Tom Knisley's video on weaving with linen and he talks about tow linen which I don't think this is. I plan on weaving a sample but want to do on the same warp I'll be using for the final peice. Any suggestions? Thanks, Diane

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Cheryl Schwarz

about 2 months ago

Happy New Year Diane...I am not familiar with the lino flax linen. Is that one ply, two ply??? Tow linen is great for weft. It's naturally fat and kinda of fluffy. Not sure I would be comfortable using it for warp, but I know others do. JST's line linen is lovely stuff, I've used it for warp and weft for napkins and plan on weaving yardage for a top with it, but it's too fine for towels.

I used 22/2 cottolin for the warp on my bath sheets. It is my favorite yarn for towel warp (dish, hand and bath towels).

diane gordon

about 2 months ago

Hi Cheryl, the lino flax appears to be a multi strand fiber and is advertised as a wet spun linen. The last sample I made I used Brockens lingarn, a 16/2 flax linen which I liked but it was expensive and I'm reluctant to use it again until I know this piece works. I also have some cotton linen blend which is approximately the same weight as the lino flax (1280 YYP). I wonder if I could use it as the warp.Both of these fibers I bought in a knitting shop in Santa Fe, NM and have been looking for a way to use them. Thanks for your quick response and Happy New Year! Diane