warping with sectional back beam

Season 1 - Foundation on Handweaving · 10 replies · 305 views · 4 followers

mqgnz

3 months ago

I have been trying to load with a sectional back beam and am getting crossed threads and uneven tension. I am wondering if there are different steps for a sectional beam loading than the process shown on the videos. Thanks!

Ginette Mod

3 months ago

Hi mqgnz,

Sectional warp beams can be threaded differently where you wound on the right amount of threads between each section, one section at a time, repeat until you've done your full width. This method requires a tension box along with yarn sources you needed, for example if your sectional warp beam has 2 inches for each section and you want to weave a blanket at 8 ends per inch, you'll need 16 threads coming from spools on a rack. This also depends on the type of loom you have but this would be the basics.
What kind of loom do you have? There are a few variations depending on the type of loom.

You can also dress your loom back to front with your already made warp keeping a good eye on the warp as it's wound on the sectional beam making sure the threads stay in their section. For tension, I would put weight like books the way Jane demonstrates.

Can you let us know how you are wounding on yours?

mqgnz

3 months ago

Hi, thanks so much for answering so quickly. I have one inch sectionals on, I think an old Nilus Leclerc counterbalance loom…it’s ancient! 45 inch and I added the sectionals when I bought the loom in June 2025.

I have a tension box with only a comb on one side and a thread holder. I like the idea of placing books on the threads when I wind as I am usually doing this myself. I don’t have alot of room to do it but I will make it as big as possible. I put the amount of threads that I need on each bobbin and thread it through the tension box going over and under alternating the up an down. I have cords tied on my back beam and I tie the new threads to the cord.

The problem seems to be when I want to put the threads through the heddles, I am uncertain as to which thread should go where. They do seem to be twisted or mixed up on the beam. I do tape them onto the beam…guess it is a tension issue.

My tension box has not been steady on the back beam. I have tried cardboard, bribing my husband to hold it and holding it myself while pushing the beam with the opposite hand. All seem to be difficult to keep an equal tension.

So, yes, I will try the books and any other ideas to keep my threads in order!

Kindly,
Kristy

Ginette Mod

3 months ago

Hi Kristy! Nice, an old Leclerc counterbalance! I'm not sure how you could do books for tension while using a tension box and the sectional warping method. That might not work as well.

I would try getting a second comb for your box as that will help. Also, are you able to increase the tension on the tension box itself by moving the pegs? They should be adjustable. And, if you have some handy, try holding the tension box with Irwin Quick-Grip, if it’s doable, might be tricky but if you can place a small one on there, to keep it steady.

Another tip, when you are done wounding on one section, before you cut it off to tie on for the next section, tape the threads in their order with masking tape folded, top and bottom, then use another piece of tape and tape it to your beam. It'll help when you are threading the heddles, gently separate the top or bottom of the folded tape, and you'll be able to grab them in order or close! Try those and see if it helps a bit. Once you adjust a few techniques, it'll go on much smoother.

I did have a loom like yours with a sectional beam on it, and I actually did a back to front warping without the use of tension box or spools. I made the warp on a warping board and moved it onto the loom, that is where I used the books for tension as I was wounding on normally. I did eventually remove the sectional warping racks off the beam as I ended up doing back to front more than I would use the sectional. You do need more space using a sectional that’s for sure.

Cheryl Schwarz

3 months ago

How are you winding/measuring your one inch sections? If you're using a tension box, be sure to put in a cross at the end of winding and maintain that cross through the threading steps.

mqgnz

3 months ago

thank you. Do you have steps to do that? I don’t do that. Is there a video I could watch?

Cheryl Schwarz

3 months ago

If your tension box can't make a cross, then use a piece of really sticky masking tape to keep the ends in order till you can thread them.

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mqgnz

3 months ago

Thank you. I will give it a try.

mqgnz

3 months ago

Hi, I am still trying to get my threads on straight. I am looking for a clamp to hold the tension box which shouldn’t be a problem. As I was winding threads to the back beam, I noticed my cord to attach the threads to is too thick as I am creating a bulge. I bought that cord at dollarama. I am wondering if you are using any specific cord? Thanks again!!

Cheryl Schwarz

3 months ago

I have really thin Texsolv nylon cord that came with my David 3 sectional beam.

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Kathleen

3 months ago

My sectional beam came with DMC Cebelia No.10 crochet thread. It is about the size of 8/2 cotton but very strong.

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mqgnz

3 months ago

That’s a goo idea! I can find thread
Thank you and your team so much. It is so very helpful!!! So appreciated!!

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Kathleen

3 months ago

fyi - The School of Sweet Georgia (in Vancouver) has a very good online course by Laura Fry that covers everything you need to know on sectional warping. She walks through the whole process. This online school is very reputable and you can join monthly for $32.00 CDN and cancel at any time.

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Ginette Mod

3 months ago

That's a great catch mqgnz about the cord creating a bulge! Try a thinner yarn for sure. I like the texsolv Cheryl mentions, that's quite strong and wouldn't break easily that's for sure!

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