Weaving with linen is hard - or is it?

Feb 21, 2023 18:22:11

Linen has the reputation of being the devil's yarn. When we first learn to weave, we are told to stick with cotton and wool and avoid linen at all costs. I have to admit, my early experiences supported this myth.

But it is a myth. Linen isn't difficult, it's just different. Like how different plants like different climates - tomatoes like warmth, fava beans thrive overwintering in cold climates. Linen yarn likewise has it's own special microclimate that it loves.

Here's a link to the video I made about weaving with linen. It really helps me out if you can pop over there and give it a thumbs-up!

Some tricks for weaving with linen.
- humidity. Linen loves moisture and will be far kinder to the weaver and the loom if the humidity is high enough
- even warp tension. Being extra mindful with how we warp the loom means we need less tension to get a clean shed (where the shuttle goes)
- beat on an open shed and we don't need a temple to get even selfedges (also known as selvedges).
- reset the warp tension between each towel

Does anyone here have more tips and tricks for working with linen yarn?

Feb 22, 2023 14:40:47

Thanks for sharing this well made video.
Problems are feedback and observation and flexibility leads to constructive feedback loops.

Feb 22, 2023 17:28:15

Informative and very well done!

Feb 22, 2023 17:39:46

I'm planning my first patch of flax this summer, so this is great to know in case I can get any useable fibre to play with. Hemp rather than linen is the historical fibre crop here, but for political reasons I can't grow a field of it. Summers are very hot and humid here, so I'm worried about the flax, but the humidity will be really helpful. Thanks for the information!

Feb 22, 2023 19:42:05

What I know about weaving "might" fill a very small thimble...You have an incredible public speaking voice that naturally instills calmness and confidence at the same time. I have book marked this video so I can learn more about weaving. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us.

Feb 23, 2023 07:09:39

Lovely linen! I am new to weaving and your video is inspiring! Thank you for your video and information on lessons learned.

Feb 23, 2023 11:10:55

I already saw it (I'm subscribed to your channel, so youtube warns me before you do). Gave a thumbs up and wrote a comment ... because that will help you get more viewers.

And now you have a thread here on Permies ... Please don't start a new thread with every thread you weave

Feb 23, 2023 18:06:43

i definitely enjoyed your video. i learned a little about linen weaving, the most important thing being, my head would explode if i tried to do it. i have lots of respect for you and those who do intricate stuff like that. i'm much better at chopping wood than fiddly things.

do you have your creations available for purchase anywhere, what i saw is beautiful. failing that, does the linen group you talk about, down there on the left coast of canada, have a site for their products?

It will give me the powers of the gods. Not bad for a tiny ad:

12 Better World books +12 SKIP books +12 Cob Style DVDs

https://permies.com/wiki/380865/World-books-SKIP-books-Cob

with pie you get 2 thumbs up and 1 thumbs down