There is an ongoing discussion about whether or not it makes sense to tie on to an exiting warp. While I don’t think it always makes sense, there are certainly times when it is the elegant solution. I had this experience recently and thought I would share.
I like to tie on for two primary reasons: when I want to continue with what I am weaving and have reached the end of the warp or when I want to change warp color. Winding super long warps can be laborious. I can warp enough to do one set then change materials, colors, weights, etc. For instance, a while back I decided to make some placemats for a friend of mine. They were lovely colors for her – but not for me. When I finished, I thought how nice it would be to have a set of placemats for myself – in a totally different palate, of course. So I tied a teal warp on to a burnt orange warp and we were both happy!
Color Switch
Another really fine reason is that after you have finished a project, you have clearly learned a lot about the warp you have on the loom. Every error is corrected – all the threading is accurate – and you would like to correct all the design issues you had with the first project. I had that happen this week. My project worked well, but I would have liked it better if the selvedges were light in color, the stripes were more random, and the end size of the towels was just a bit smaller. So I would new warp with new colors and the result was more to my taste.
Tying On
Another advantage is that you save the loom waste. By tying on to the old warp, you can essential weave every inch of the new warp. For those times when the new warp is precious (handspun or silk say), it is nice to be able to waste as little as possible. Many friends of mine save those yarns for their rigid heddle looms, but I like the option of having multiple shafts sometimes. As you can see below, it is possible to weave to the end of the new warp.
Through the Heddles
I am even willing to tie on warp of a different weight. You can always re-sley your reed if necessary and, for complicated threadings, that can sometimes save a lot of time.
Of course, eventually you will tire of the pattern – at least I do. But this time of year, if you are creating gifts and/or items for sale, a little time saving here and there can make a world of difference. Tie the knot!
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