For many of us, not wasting things is important. When it comes to weaving and warp however, there will always be some warp you can’t use. How much is that?
Sample for a new tapestry by Rebecca Mezoff on a Mirrix Zach loom. Looking at how much loom waste you can expect when weaving tapestry.
The answer of course depends on the loom and your tolerance for easy versus not-so-easy weaving. As I discussed here on the blog a few months ago, the longer the loom is, the easier the weaving is. But it is possible to weave all the way to the end of a warp where you have no shed at all. If you’re willing to do that, you’ll get the award for most warp used.
I prefer to have some loom waste and have an easier time weaving. All forms of weaving except for four-selvedge methods involve some loom waste. The video below discusses how much extra warp you need to leave on a continuously warped loom such as the Mirrix or Arras. This concept will help you decide on loom size and warp length as you set up your next tapestry weaving.
In the video I’m weaving a sample for a new tapestry I’ll be weaving on my Harrisville Rug Loom soon. The sample was woven on a Mirrix Zach table loom.
Have you found you have preferences for how much free warp you like to have as you weave? Do particular looms suit you better than others because of this? Let us know in the comments!