Tablet: Double Diamond Belt
Learning to Warp and Use My Box Loom
Given the plague currently raging the lands as of 5/1/2020, I decided to take the time to get to know my box loom, as well as try out my new warping board. Prior to this project I had only completed relatively short pieces on my box loom, and I had multiple issues with the strings holding my apron bar (the bar that actually places tension on the warp and holds it) snapping. This meant I would have to unroll and untie the end of the warp that snapped, make new ties for my apron bar, retie my warp onto the loom, and adjust my tension back. I decided to try a new material and incorporate one of my other part-time hobbies; fishing! I used doubled 50 pound braid fishing line to tie on my apron bar. No more snapping, and I could maintain tension on my box loom.
To begin this project, I brought out my new warping board. Before acquiring it, the most difficult part of using my box loom was simply creating a warp. How could I measure out four identical lengths of string to thread them without something to help me measure? That is basically the function of the warping board: pegs to measure lengths of string and provide tension for your warp.
Using the warping board and securing both lengths of the warp with either simple knots, clamps, or even paint's tape, I was able to thread up my cars and create my warp. I would recommend large pins to help keep your cards straight as you are warping and when you transfer the warp to your box loom.
Transferring the Warp to the Loom
This was the part I was most anxious about; after carefully creating my 22 card warp, I would mess up and ruin it before I even got it on the loom. However, thanks to an extra hand from Sir Carlyle, I managed. I began by tying one end of the warp to the apron bar and then securing it via tension. Then I took the long end of the warp and tied it to the other apron bar, securing with tension. I then began "rolling" the warp onto the loom, using pieces of paper to keep each layer separate. This prevents your layers from falling into each other and tangling your warp. I used simple sheets of notebook paper.
For general weaving and documentation, see here
