Weaving 
Terms


WEAVING TERMS



WEAVE STRUCTURES


Weaving Terms PLAIN OR TABBY WEAVE:

Characterized by the regular interlacing of warp and weft threads (i.e. 1/1 ratio). Basket Weave is a variation of the tabby structure only alternating over 2 threads/under 2 threads. The fabric of this plain/tabby weave structures is generally quite stiff. During the weaving process care need to taken to assure a very uniform beating pattern throughtout the weaving process.

Weaving Terms TWILL STRUCTURE: Characterized by the overlapping and staggering of the warp and weft threads. It produces a diagonal line in the material which causes the fabric to be generally more drapeable. This type of fabric structure generally requires more weft thread shots per inch than those required in the warp sett or spacing. This means that if 6 epi (ends per inch) of warp are requed than about 8 picks (throws of the weft shuttle or passes) per inch of the weft will be required.

Weaving Terms OVERSHOT WEAVES: Characterized by a floating pattern thread and a tabby binder. It consists of a warp of one thickness (usually finer and of one color) and two thickness of weft = one the same as the warp (tabby or binder) and the other a thicker yarn for the floating pattern. Is is generally a good idea to include a floating selvage when weaving in an overshot pattern (or any other complicated pattern).





TAPESTRY

Ashford Tapestry Loom

Custom 
Jungian tapestry weaving





Various techniques are used to create a tightly packed weft surfaced fabric, rug or wallhanging. Warp is set rather wide in the reed. Warp is threaded in a straight draw (4/3,3/2,2/1,1/4) and occasionally a tabby binder is required.

Weaving Terms SLITS: Weft threads meet at regular intervals and wrap around the consecutive warp threads (next to each other). A slit is formed. Diagonals can be moved gradually to the left or right.

Weaving Terms INTERLOCKING OVER COMMON WARP THREADS: Produces a feathery or saw tooth interlocking effect. Different color interlock around a common warp thread.

Weaving Terms INTERLOCKING OVER COMMON WEFT THREADS: Basically the same as above but the two weft threads interlock around each other (instead of common warp thread) and return when next shed is made.)

Weaving Terms DOVETAILING: Several wefts of one design run back and forth in alternating sheds. First on one side than on the other. The same or different warp threads may be used for the interlocking.

Weaving Terms HATCHING: Two weft threads run back and forth in alternating sheds. Creates feathery lines in areas of solid color.

Weaving Terms MOLDING AND SHAPING: Background threads forming a triangular shape may be built up and molded with the fingers to push the threads higher or lower in a design. Threads of contrasting color may be used to outline and emphasize these shapes.




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