Inkle Pattern Directory - Search Press

Minimum and Maximum LengthThe warp on any inkle loom has a possibleminimum and maximum length, with variationsbetween the two.The minimum length for any warp is from the startingpeg, to the joining peg, around the tensioner, and back tothe starting peg, without interfering with the heddle peg.The maximum length winds zigzag around the tensionerand all the pegs on the loom, without interfering withany of the other pegs or the pathway of the warp.time). Weave both the tail and the shuttle into thisnext shed, then change the shed and continue weaving.The tail of the weft will remain secure and can betrimmed later.FinishingAt the penultimate pick, weave the weft through ashed, and into the SAME pick insert a loop of smooththread with the loop at the opposite side to theshuttle.Change the shed, beat, and tug.Weave the shuttle through this final pick.Starting and FinishingIf the ends of the weft are left loose, then the edges ofthe inkle will move outward when it is removed from theloom, making the selvedges uneven. So a secure startand finish is best.StartingOpen one of the sheds—it doesn’t matter which—andinsert a shed stick. Change the shed, push the first shedstick down to the starting peg and insert a second stick.Repeat so that there are three shed sticks in place.Change the shed once more.Insert the shuttle through the open shed (from the sidethat suits you) and leave a tail of the weft hanging at theside. Change the shed, beat and tug (both edges thisCut the weft, leaving about 8" (20 cm). Insert the veryend of this tail into the loop—not too far—so that itcreates a loop clasped with the first.Now, holding both loops gently in opposite hands,pull the clasped loops through the shed, positioningthe upper (final) weft into place, and pulling the weftcompletely through the previous pick.Again, change the shed and beat.Discard the extra loop of thread. The weft will remainsecure and can be trimmed later. This saves having todarn the weft into place after the inkle has been cutoff the loom and is extremely secure.There is no need to secure the ends of the inkle anyfurther when the inkle is removed from the loom, butsometimes a decorative or braided edging is required.Remember to leave enough unwoven warp—generallybraiding uses about 1½ times the finished length. Seepage 27 for further information.3