Friday, February 4, 2011

Back to front warping with out all the extra equipment



Some looms are easier to warp from the back, like the Megado by Louet above. The method I use doesn't require the spool rack or tensioner that is usually needed for sectional warping.  This method allows you to thread with your draft right side up and there is much less waste than usual sectional warping.
Equipment you will need:
  1.  Lease sticks,
  2.  Some system of support for the lease sticks (I use homemade Angel wings, more below) 
  3.  A rake,
  4.  Cords from back beam, 
  5.  C clamps to attach Angel wings. (forgot the C clamps in the picture above)

 The first step is to wind a few sections  of your warp on a warping board or reel. I usually wind on counting the number needed for my sectional beam or my EPI.  This will work without a sectional beam. Most of us have this equipment vs the tension box and spool rack that is needed for usual sectional beaming. It also cuts down on waste from the spools. I do not wind the whole warp due to some of the tangling that occurs, it is just easier for me.

 Next you take your warp to the loom I put the chain at the front of the loom and carry my cross over the loom to my lease sticks. I put the cross on the lease sticks.  The lease sticks can be supported with cord, wood or in my case, a set of home made angel wings. If you haven't got a handy husband or wood working skills, they can be purchased at puringtonlooms.com.
Then I bring my cord from the sectional beam,  through the rake attaching one cord to every section of the warp I am winding on,. 

 Lastly roll the warp on the back beam.  At times you need open up the threads in the cross for tangles or even gently yank on the warp chain.  When all your yards are wound on  tape the sections.

 If you really want a cross to thread from you can wind your warp with a cross at each end. 

 To thread after all the warp is wound on  unwind the warp over the back beam and rest it on the lease stick. You can sit at the front of the loom and thread, Right side up from your draft. On this loom I take off the front beam and the cloth beam. You are ready to thread. Have fun and Happy Weaving! Smile