Band with names: grande finale

The final 20 centimetres were woven without the spreader (it’s currently back with the craftsman for a bit of refinement), and once again I was reminded just how quickly we get used to good tools. Without the spreader, progress slowed noticeably. On top of that, the warp threads snapped three times – all red threads, and all from tablets grouped at the same end. Most likely, that skein wasn’t the best quality. But that’s all behind me now – the braid was finished the night before last.

A few fragments:

The total woven length is 92 centimetres, which is shorter than I’d planned. The reduced length is mostly due to a tighter weave structure toward the end – caused partly by the lack of a spreader, and partly by the warp weights sitting too high on the loom (there just wasn’t enough warp left to lower them further).

Fresh takeaways:

• warp threads need to be cut long enough so that at the end of weaving, there’s still some length left, and the weights don’t end up right under the axle;
• whenever possible, it’s worth hanging individual weights on each tablet’ warp;
• it’s better to position weights at staggered heights, so they don’t bump into each other;
• it’s useful to measure the braid both across and along its length as you go to to keep an eye on the density;
• with the thickness of wooden tablets, 40 of them is the maximum this loom can comfortably handle.

Yesterday, the braid was sent off via registered post to its recipients as a Christmas surprise. Waiting to hear their reaction. 😀

Photos of the finished band along with basic information about it can be found in the gallery: band with names.