selvedges, draw-in, smiles and scalloping

Season 1 - Foundation · 3 replies · 2061 views · 3 followers

Dana Ayotte

over 2 years ago

Hello,
I am working on my second project and am struggling a bit with draw-in/selvedges. I realised I had way too much draw-in and managed to (mostly) correct the big smile I had happening across my fell line, but now I'm seeing this effect where the fell line goes up slightly toward the selvedges, and then drops down. I've attached some photos. Is this still caused by a draw-in issue, or is this due to uneven warp tension? Or both?? I'm still not sure how much draw-in is ok, I guess as long as the fell line is straight it's ok?

As you can see, I could also use some advice on how to manage my scalloping along those striped edges! I thought I was jumping the bump and diving the dip properly, but it looks to be a bit of a mess.

Thanks!
Dana

Sandra Mod

over 2 years ago

Hi Dana - your photos aren't working - there is another way to post photos by using a "Direct link" - you can see the information here: https://help.schoolofweaving.tv/article/100-uploading-images

Also, have you read Jane's wonderful article on Selvedges that can be found in the Knowledge Base? I suggest that you read it and if you still are having problems, try to repost your photos so we can see what your issue is. https://janestaffordtextiles.com/knowledge-base/in-praise-of-good-selvedges/

Dana Ayotte

over 2 years ago

Sorry about that Sandra I had set the photos to auto-delete after an hour :p. Yes I have read Jane's wonderful article (a few times!) and found it very helpful. I definitely started with a less-than-perfect warp so it could be that there are some warp tension issues. One thing that has definitely been a challenge for me is to figure out where and how big the sweet spot is on my loom (a Nilus II) but I think I'm getting there. Otherwise I think I'm following all of Jane's excellent tips and also really appreciated her teaching about how to correct for too much draw-in, which helped a lot. Thank you!

Sandra Mod

over 2 years ago

Your project looks great! I think you'll find you might be too focused on your selvedges after your project has been washed. You may have pulled in tucked-in white thread a bit too far when you were changing your pattern on the right and that is why you have that bit of a jump. No handwoven cloth is perfect - no matter how many yards the weaver has woven! I remember being told in my travels, that in some cultures experienced weavers intentionally weave a flaw in their cloth because they believe that only God is perfect. So, they make sure to leave little imperfection in anything they create.

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Dana Ayotte

over 2 years ago

Thanks very much for your encouraging words Sandra :) I had been trying hard to get those stripes to be nice and straight at the edges but perhaps I'm focusing on that too much. I will keep at it, I feel I have already learned so much just from this 2nd project!

Audra Ellen Phillips

7 months ago

I appreciate the reminder that "no handwoven cloth is perfect." I've just finished the practice warp to practise beating on an open shed that Jane suggested in Season 1. Beating on an open shed worked out well. However, I only figured out how to lessen the draw-in by 5/8 inch on each side during the last foot of the three-and-one-half-yard warp. I discovered that throwing the shuttle and picking it up at the end of the shuttle race reduced the pull on the selvedge. The result was selvedges that looked the same on both sides.
I would like to hear how more experienced weavers characterize what I am doing to reduce draw-in.