Tying on a New Warp

When there is a weaving pattern that I would like to try in another color scheme, instead of re-threading the loom I will tie onto the existing warp. The old warp must be long enough to allow you to knot each old warp thread to a new warp thread in front of the beater

After weaving the last towel on this warp I weave a header about an inch in length to hold the warp threads in place when I cut the warp between the header and woven towel length.

After removing the woven towels from the front beam, the tying on of the new warp begins. The new warp is spread on lease sticks between the front beam and the beater.

This is a side view of the loom front, showing the lease sticks with the new warp on them. The lease sticks keep the new warp threads in order by holding the cross in place. Do not pull the beater forward during this process.

The first old warp thread is pulled out of the header and joined to the first new warp thread with an overhand knot placed approximately 1/2 an inch from the warp ends. Continue knotting the old warp to the new in this manner using the next new and old warp threads. Since this is a shadow weave pattern I’m also checking that a light old warp is knotted to a light new warp and an old dark warp to a new dark warp.

The new and old warps are all tied together. it is now time to gently pull groups of warp yarns through the reed and then through the heddles. If there is any resistance stop and check that yarns are not tangled. Once all the threads are pulled through the heddles you are now ready to wind the new warp onto the back beam. Next, Remove the lease sticks and tie the warp onto the front apron. Your new warp is ready to begin weaving.