Assembly on the Loom

1-The knots which will allow the warp to be stretched generally correspond to half-portées, that is to say groups of six warp yarns.

It is possible to tie with twelve yarns for thin warps, possibly only with four for large ones.

It is best to do this operation in two stages.

First of all, selection of groups of six yarns, then precise adjustment of the knots according to the groove of the front beam (fig 2 to 9).

2-The six yarns are combed and moderately tensioned.

The right hand pinches these yarns between the thumb and index finger, against the upper edge of the groove of the front beam.

Important: do not forget to adjust the length of all the knots based on the shortest (there may be significant differences in length between the yarns if the warp has been a little tangled or poorly cut). This involves allowing approximately two centimeters of “offcut” (chute) in relation to the edge of the groove so as not to lose too much warp yarn.

3-4-The left hand makes a loop with three fingers while the right keeps the measurement taken at the start.

5-The middle finger of the left hand pulls the yarns through the loop.

6-The thumb and index finger of the left hand close the knot, while the marker held by the right hand fits against it.

7-The knots will be moderately tight.

8-For the beginner, it will be appropriate to compare the knots with each other as the operation progresses.

Each knot is first compared with the previous one.

This comparison is made at the level of the knot itself and not at the level of the ends of the loops.

9-Then, a second comparison of the lengths is made, in this case between the first and the third knots. And this on an axis well perpendicular to the beams of the loom.

But when the weaver gets the hang of it, it is preferable to adjust the knots immediately, without stopping to check their length, so as not to compromise the regularity of the movement.

10-Once the knot operation is complete, the heddle bars are moved aside on the board, each knot is lifted and the verdillon is introduced into the opening thus made by the front heddles (3 yarns above, 3 yarns below).

11-Above all, you should not pass the verdillon through the loops of the knots as the layman might do, which would have the effect of undoing them. It is necessary to check that no knot has been forgotten.

12-You must now uncoil the warp a little, then regularly distribute the half-portées on the verdillon, depending on the location of the lames (which will be marked on the front beam). Then the verdillon is engaged in its groove. Pay attention to the distribution of the knots between the dowels which hold the verdillon, check that the yarns are not stuck at the risk of being cut by the iron dowels.