Thank you for posting this showing the steps up close and clearly! I have a mini loom and the 2-string tutorial for that loom is very dark with dark twining and so difficult to see what you're doing. This tutorial is perfect for an absolute beginner like me.
Hi Caroline, In Navajo weaving, is the twinning material typically the same yarn as the warp? Or, is it usually a weft color so it blends in? Thank you!
It is usually a two-ply yarn. I like to use one that coordinates with the weft. However, many tapestry weavers use the same yarn for the end twining in all their rugs. I have a favorite cream color and a black color yarn that I usually use for my weavings. The warp yarn is strong and works fine.
Hello Caroline. I have one of your large table looms and on my first rug I had problems with the warp breaking right where it goes around the metal tines. It happened 4 times on this one weaving. It seems like these tines are sharp on the edges and I’m thinking of filing them to make them rounder and smoother. Have you had trouble with this? I am using the same 2-ply wool warp I have always used on my traditional Navajo looms, and I’ve never had a warp break before.
I would suggest polishing them with emory cloth. You can buy it in sheets or in rolls. The rolls are often in the plumbing section. Use 180 grit or finer. You might want to take the combs off the loom and put them in a vise to polish. If you use the tape you can hit the edges better. Fold the tape in half and run it back and forth through each slot 3 or 4 times. That should solve your problem. You might want to switch to a heavier warp for the table loom. I use the 4 ply Navajo warp from Davidsons for my table loom. You can also buy 3 and 4 ply wool warp from Tierra Wools. Hope that helps.
I usually use Brown Sheep yarns. It is reasonable in cost and pretty consistent in spin and color. You can check their website for a list of stores near you or order online. The Top of the Lamb is 100% wool and comes in worsted and sport weight. The Lamb's Pride has 15% mohair which makes it stronger and adds a bit of shine. It comes in all weights. Lots of yarn shops carry it and lots of online sites, also.
Thank you for posting this showing the steps up close and clearly! I have a mini loom and the 2-string tutorial for that loom is very dark with dark twining and so difficult to see what you're doing. This tutorial is perfect for an absolute beginner like me.
Glad it was helpful!
thank you , you are a great teacher
You are welcome!
Thank you for this. I did it the hard way before. Now I am excited to warp my mini again😍
You're welcome. Happy weaving!
Hi Caroline, In Navajo weaving, is the twinning material typically the same yarn as the warp? Or, is it usually a weft color so it blends in? Thank you!
It is usually a two-ply yarn. I like to use one that coordinates with the weft. However, many tapestry weavers use the same yarn for the end twining in all their rugs. I have a favorite cream color and a black color yarn that I usually use for my weavings. The warp yarn is strong and works fine.
Hello Caroline. I have one of your large table looms and on my first rug I had problems with the warp breaking right where it goes around the metal tines. It happened 4 times on this one weaving. It seems like these tines are sharp on the edges and I’m thinking of filing them to make them rounder and smoother. Have you had trouble with this? I am using the same 2-ply wool warp I have always used on my traditional Navajo looms, and I’ve never had a warp break before.
I would suggest polishing them with emory cloth. You can buy it in sheets or in rolls. The rolls are often in the plumbing section. Use 180 grit or finer. You might want to take the combs off the loom and put them in a vise to polish. If you use the tape you can hit the edges better. Fold the tape in half and run it back and forth through each slot 3 or 4 times. That should solve your problem. You might want to switch to a heavier warp for the table loom. I use the 4 ply Navajo warp from Davidsons for my table loom. You can also buy 3 and 4 ply wool warp from Tierra Wools. Hope that helps.
If I use sport size yarn, then what size warp thread should I use on the table loom.
Use as large as you can find. Like a 4-ply.
Where to
Purchase yarn worsted.
I usually use Brown Sheep yarns. It is reasonable in cost and pretty consistent in spin and color. You can check their website for a list of stores near you or order online. The Top of the Lamb is 100% wool and comes in worsted and sport weight. The Lamb's Pride has 15% mohair which makes it stronger and adds a bit of shine. It comes in all weights. Lots of yarn shops carry it and lots of online sites, also.