Barely Seen Thin Threads

Though barely seen, they are a deciding factor in the success of this fabric. Skinny little threads. There is a big contrast between the thick and the thin threads in this fascinating two-treadle weave. The thread size difference creates abundant pattern possibilities. Very thin 30/2 cotton almost disappears while it outlines the thick threads, doubled 22/2 cottolin. I change blocks by simply throwing two thin picks in a row.

Towels in thick and thin. Karen Isenhower
Towels in thick and thin. Weft is white with navy blue stripes in a chain pattern. Warp is white with black stripes.

Most of my errors have to do with the thin thread. Either omitting a pick, or forgetting the second pick to change blocks. After weaving a bit further, the error becomes apparent. I go back, take the error out, and weave it over. All because that barely seen thin thread didn’t get put in place.

Forgiveness, an act of humility, is an essential element of each day. Thin threads that take their place in our daily interactions. Not necessarily spoken, but something in your heart that turns your attitude in the right direction. The forgiven forgive. Those who have been forgiven know how to forgive others. So, maybe a chain reaction starts when we forgive. We can hope so.

May your thin threads be strong.

Forgiven,
Karen

6 thoughts on “Barely Seen Thin Threads

  1. I’m glad you worked it out. Beautiful!
    Hint: when using tabbies (thin thread) with a heavier pattern thread tie up the pedals so 1-3 is on pedal 1, 2-4 is pedal 2 now the pattern is on the rest.
    pedal tie up: 1-3,2-4,L foot 1-2, 2-3, 3-4, 1-4 R foot
    If you start the tabby on the R tromping pedal 2 (2-4) then you’ll always know if you’re on the correct tabby. Shuttle should be on Right to throw from right pedal 1 (1-3) and on the L to use pedal 2 (2-4) and throw. , LP&J, linda

    Karen’s weaving is wonderful

    1. Linda, Thank you!

      That’s great advice. I do something similar when I’m using 4 treadles and 2 shuttles. Relating the direction of the shuttle to the treadle on the right or the treadle on the left really helps.
      However… This thick and thin has only 2 treadles, so it is necessary to reverse directions and the order of it all when you change blocks. When you throw 2 picks of the thin, everything is reversed. Hence, it really keeps me on my toes! I think of it as plain weave with fancy footwork.

      Karen

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