Page 5-8
CREATING THE CROSS
When there is about a half yard left to be wound onto the beam, it is
time to make the threading cross. Simply push on the rear heddle frame
of the tension box, making half of the threads go up and the other half go
down.
Now slip in an eight inch piece of contrasting thread (called a marking
thread) through the opening (called a shed) created between the threads
above and the threads below. Locate this marking thread about half way
between the tension box and the separation roller.
Now push on the front heddle frame, making the other half of the threads
go up. Now take one end of your marking thread and bring it through
this shed. The two ends of the marking thread should now be together.
Tie them in a bow knot. Wind the rest of the first section on, cut the
ends, and secure to the wound on thread using a rubber band over the
pegs.
Continue winding all the sections in the same manner by moving the
tension box along its track.
INSERTING STICKS IN THE TREADING CROSS
When all the winding is complete, remove the rubber bands, unwind a
few feet of warp, and slip one lease stick through the path created by the
upper portion of each marking tie. Now slip another lease stick through
the path created by the lower portion of each marking tie. Secure the
lease sticks together, leaving about two inches between them, using
masking tape or string through the end holes of the lease sticks. Now
bring the lease sticks, with the warp ends, around the separation roller so
that the warp travels towards the harnesses.
READJUSTING THE TENSION
Now tie the lease sticks from the top of the loom so that they are at eye
level when you are in your threading position.
To keep the warp from slipping forward during the threading process,
pull the ends of the white nylon brake adjustment cord to increase warp
tension. Adjust the cord so there is a slight drag against the beam as it
rotates. The final warp tension adjustment will be made later.
