Linen lace weaving. It’s like weaving air. 16/1 linen warp and weft, with uneven sleying and careful weaving. “Beating“ is not the right word this time; let’s call it “placing the weft.” Gentle, gentle, gentle, easy does it. No temple needed. Indeed, what would you hook the temple into? There is almost nothing there.
![Linen on the warping reel.](https://warpedforgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Version-22-1024x767.jpg)
![Linen warp chain, ready to dress the loom.](https://warpedforgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Version-2-12-1024x768.jpg)
![Lease sticks with linen.](https://warpedforgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Version-2-22-1024x768.jpg)
![Dressing the loom with linen singles.](https://warpedforgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Version-2-32-1024x768.jpg)
![Uneven sleying of the reed with linen singles.](https://warpedforgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Version-2-42-1024x768.jpg)
I did weave a sample, trying out different colors and sizes of weft. The weave is so airy; honestly, I was not sure if the fabric would hold its shape off the loom. To wet finish, I first soaked the sample for 20 minutes in hot water with mild soap. Then, I washed it by hand, lifting and lowering the net-like cloth repeatedly in the water. I rolled it in a towel and gently squeezed to remove moisture. Lastly, I laid it out flat to dry.
![Half bow keeps linen from slipping, while allowing adjustments.](https://warpedforgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Version-2-51-1024x768.jpg)
![Tying up treadles in the "playhouse" under the warp.](https://warpedforgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Version-2-61-1024x768.jpg)
![Sample weaving. Linen lace.](https://warpedforgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Version-2-71-1024x768.jpg)
![Linen sample, not yet wet finished.](https://warpedforgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Version-2-81-1024x768.jpg)
![Linen sample in black and white.](https://warpedforgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Version-2-91-1024x768.jpg)
Result? It came through beautifully, with the lace weave intact. Linen, there is something about you that is exquisite and delightful, yet a bit mischievous and sly. I like you.
![Linen sample after wet finishing. Karen Isenhower](https://warpedforgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Version-2-101-1024x768.jpg)
![Weaving linen air. Karen Isenhower](https://warpedforgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Version-2-111-1024x768.jpg)
May all your concerns be as light as air.
Happy Linen Weaving,
Karen