How to: Set up a band weave with a pre-made warp
A while back I had the idea (who am I kidding, my mom suggested it) to start selling pre-made warps in the web shop and I think Im ready to try it out! In my dreams I also have a little card with setup instructions to add to their packets, but a blog post will have to do as a guide for now.
When you receive the warp it will be tied with a knot in one end and open in the other. There are two sticks placed at the open end, and they will be tied together with a piece of string which I removed for these pictures, but you should keep it on to prevent the sticks from sliding out from between the warp threads.
Heddles are not included with the pre-made warp, but can be purchased separately.
Tap/click the pictures to enhance them! Can you see that the warp threads are perfectly arranged in a neat row between the sticks in picture 1. ? From left to right, the first thread goes under the first stick end over the second stick, and the second thread goes over the first stick and under the second stick. This war the order of the warp threads are set, and they cannot change place as long as the sticks are in place!
The pattern of the band depends on the placement of the threads in the heddle. Pick the threads one by one starting with the first from the left, and place it in the first hole in the heddle. Then pick the second one and place it in a slit, like in picture 2. If you find it hard to see which thread comes next you can give the warp a gentle tug by placing one hand on either side of the warp threads, and the pattern should become clear. Note that if you are a beginner you should refrain from removing the string tying the sticks together on (As mentioned I have removed it on these pictures but if you buy a warp from me it will be there) as the sticks are prone to fall out of the warp otherwise, and you will loose the order of the treads.
This band is made up by 18 threads, but I have space for 19 threads in my heddle. This is not a problem! You can just leave some of the holes and/or slits empty if you dont need to use them.
When all threads are in place in the heddle you grab the end with the knot on it, make a rough divide of the threads and stick a piece of though it. (Picture 4) Secure the string to something that won’t move even if you tug hard at it! I used a clamp fastened to the end of my table. (Picture 5). Now you have a chance to even the tension of the warp threads and I suggest you take it! Pull the warp taut and use your fingers to roughly comb through it at your end, catching any slack threads. When you feel like all threads are of roughly equal tension you can make a knot on the front end of the warp as well (Picture 6).
You’re ready to get weaving! Fasten the front end of the warp by tying a piece of string around your waist, slipping it through the warp above the knot.
Instructions on how to weave the band can be found in this blog post: “How to: Weave a simple repp band“