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TYING ON TO THE OLD WARP
A new warp can be tied on to an old warp, thus eliminating the threading
and sleying process if the new warp introduced into the loom uses the
same threading pattern and EPI as the last warp. This process is espe-
cially good for production weavers, as it saves time. It also takes less
concentration and there is less chance of making mistakes in threading.
The tying on process starts when you are finishing the last warp on the
loom. Before you cut off the fabric, make sure to leave enough unwoven
warp to extend one foot behind the harnesses, through the heddles, and
about six inches past the reed when the beater is in its rear position.
Now open two opposite tabby sheds and insert lease sticks into these
sheds behind the harnesses. Secure the sticks together with tie tapes
through the holes. Now carefully cut the fabric from the loom and tie
bundles of warp coming through the reed together so the yarn can’t slip
through. Cut the warp in back (leaving one foot past the lease sticks) and
also tie bundles of yarn together for security.
Now, after winding on the new warp, you can sit on a small stool placed
in between the harnesses and the back of the loom and tie corresponding
yarns from the two sets of lease sticks together. An overhand knot
works well. This may seem slow at first, but you will work up a faster
rhythm with some practice. A good goal to reach would be to tie 200 to
250 ends together an hour.
When all ends are tied together, go to the front of the loom and gently
pull on the bundles of yarn going through the reed to pull the new warp
through the heddles and reed. Then tie on to the apron.
