Steps to Warping the Loom

  • Decide what you are going to make. You will need to know: yarn you are using, width of your project, number of ends per inch, length of warp, weave structure.

  • If you need one, make a guide thread (length of warp plus 8” to accommodate tying it on to beginning and end of warping board/reel.

  • Find a path around the warping board/reel that accommodates the length of your warp.

  • Wind your warp. Remember to use a cross.

  • Secure warp with at least three choke ties. Make sure to have a really tight one 18” below the cross that also is tied to the back of the board with a bow tie. Then one at the beginning, one at the end, and if you have a long warp, one or two in the middle.

  • Remove the warp from the warping board. Cut the bottom first, chain until your tight choke tie, hang the warp off the board, insert lease sticks, make fist around lease sticks and cross, cut at top, untie from board and take a deep breath while relaxing your shoulders.

  • Bring warp to loom, tape lease sticks to front beam with short end of threads facing the reed.

  • Check reed for dents per inch (dpi), figure out threading for reed to get accurate sett.

  • Thread reed with hook facing down (secure beater if desired).

  • Prepare for threading heddles: Make sure threads are secure behind reed (use slip knot), untape, untie and remove lease sticks. Release beater and move into back position so it is close to shafts. Take apart back of loom.

  • Thread heddles. Follow your threading draft and remember to give each thread a gentle pull.

  • Even out threads and tie overhand knots in groups of approximately 1.5”.

  • Use these knots to attach to back rod. Remember to check that your knots are secure.

  • Beam warp.

  • Trim edges in front.

  • Tie on to front beam, check for threading errors, then tension and secure with bow tie.

  • You are now ready to weave!