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weaving your tapestry
The next step is to weave the “heading.” The head-
ing helps to space the warp threads evenly and give
you an even, firm edge to work on. Weave about
2-4 inches of waste or scrap yarns, scraps of paper,
or rags. I have even used nylons and toilet paper.
After your loom is warped, work double half-
hitch knots across the warp. This helps to stabilize
the warp and prevent it from unweaving. Measure
a length of yarn that is about 3 times the width
of your weaving. It is best to use cotton string or
8/4 carpet warp, no matter what yarn you use for
warping. Start at the left edge. Don’t open the shed.
Pick up the first pair of warp threads, and pass the
string under it from right to left. Leave a short end
to the right of the pair. Circle the warp pair loosely
and go under it again from the right to the left.
Bring the strand across the same pair again, pass it
through the loop that was made by circling, and
pull the long end straight down until the knot is
tight, pulling the two warp threads together. It is
important to go around each pair of warp threads
twice to create a double half-hitch, but go around
the edge pairs three times as the first wrap isn’t really
making a knot, it just gets you started. Move to the
next pair to the right and make a double half-hitch,
securing the warp threads tightly. Continue across
until all of the warp threads are secure.
Next, weave about 2 inches using the weft yarns
for a hem at the bottom of your tapestry. This will
also be done after you have completed your weaving
to finish the top edges. The double half-hitches will
also be done at the top of your weaving to secure
the ends.
When your tapestry is finished, cut it off the
loom; throw it down on the ground or over the
back of your loom to let it rest for a day. Now is
the time to sew up the slits, if needed, sewing them
from the back will keep the woven edges sharp,
and sewing from the front softens the edges. Steam,
or block, your finished tapestry to help it lay flat
and look finished. Fold the bottom and top edges
over, tuck under the tied ends and whipstitch with
same weft threads, or instead of turning under, your
edges can be sewn together to make a small pillow.
SOLID
VERTICAL STRIPES
HATCHING
VERTICAL STRIPES
SOLID
Sampler of tapestry techniques, based on sketch, below.
Sampler of tapestry techniques.
© 2010
Alpacas Magazine
/ Ross Chandler