Tarp clip versions of the weaving temple works well, but you don’t want the weighted string to pull down the edges of your weaving. The addition of a stick on both sides of the ashford table loom helps the string stay horizontal. I opted to use a light painter’s tape to hold down the stick in the front and tied to do so on the back. Do what works for you; just make sure that how it is placed doesn’t interfere with the operation of your front or back ratchets and doesn’t hamper your ability to throw your shuttle.
Category: Weaving
DIY Warp Weights
DIY Castle Lights
DIY Shuttle Race
Floor looms have a feature called a shuttle race, which is a nifty little ledge upon which the weaving shuttle can travel. Unfortunately most table looms do not have this feature. Without it, the shuttle may not travel well, falling through the threads and landing on the floor as often as it exits the shed safely. I wanted to add a race without making permanent changes to the loom, and many solutions I saw did not work with my Ashford table loom because the warp threads do not rest at the bottom of the reed. I was placing a yard stick in the shed to allow the shuttle to travel across (works, but it is a slow way to weave) when this idea came to me. You might have to play around a bit to get the stick placed just right, but I hope someone else benefits from my sharing. It works great for my Ashford table loom.
Weaving Loom DIY Projects
Sometimes your loom needs a few extras, either purchased or homemade. I am posting four DIY projects that have worked well for my Ashford table loom: a shuttle race, castle lights, a weaving temple, and warp weights.
Weaving, interrupted
Interrupted weaving to make a few cloth face masks for friends and neighbors. My weaving skills have far outpaced my sewing skills, but they will do the job. Started out on my Janome sewing machine but it developed a problem that requires a repai service, so I had to finish them on my old singer (previously owned by my grandmother)
Stroller Blanket?
This little blanket made on my 8 shaft table loom has a great feel, though it is much smaller than originally planned. I used ‘mallo’ cotton from Gist Yarn & Fiber, and it has a wonderful hand at 16 epi. I hope to make a larger one when they have more of this yarn available.
My first 8 shaft scarf!
Here is the finished scarf! The new loom is a joy to weave on. 8 shaft point twill, 10 epi, 7.5” x 69”
Making progress
weaving on 8 shafts!
This loom was a Craig’s list find. It is about ten years old and is in good shape. I did a lot of cleanup, replaced the bungy cords on the beater, and turned a couple of parts the right way around! Just started my first project and am already convinced this loom is a joy
