Posted by Jes on Saturday, 11 July 2009, at 5:51 p.m.:
In Reply to: Re: Brittany tapestry loom assembly posted by Carole on Thursday, 2 July 2009, at 1:58 p.m.:
Here are the instructions. They are long. This is an exact reprint of the typed instructions that came from Brittany Loom Company of California.
1. Calculate the desired width of warp (vertical threads) desired for project. Note: total width requires approx. 220 yards of warp.
2. Attach the large tension bar under the bottom beam temporarily with adhesive tape at the edges of the bar.
3. Wrap the warp thread figure 8 fashion around lefthand pegs 5 times, then bring warp behind top beam and place in first groove of top beam. Note: if loom is not to be warped full be sure to center warp in grooves.
4. Proceed with warp thread down and around the bottom beam and tension bar, returning up behind the loom to top beam and place in next groove. Note: You have formed a circle around the loom. Continue across to last groove. Keep even tension. DO NOT CROSS THREADS AT TOP OR BOTTOM BEAMS.
5. Finish off in final groove. Bring warp thread behind top right side of beam and attach in figure 8 fashion around the right hand pegs 5 times.
6. Remove the rod from heddle bar. Insert heddle bar between back and front threads matching the thread in first groove. It is helpful to hold heddle slightly upright here. DO NOT CROSS THREADS.
7. Replace rod in heddle to lock threads. Recheck threads.
8. Pull heddle bar toward bottom beam and straighten any crossed threads.
9. Check tension. If it is too tight when shed is formed remove tension bar by popping up and out from under threads. Replace with smaller tension bar. It is not necessary to retape.
10. To form shed (weaving space) rotate heddle so that comb head faces bottom beam. Note space formed between alternating threads at side view.
11. Insert sword in this space (shed) and set sword on edge to form larger opening through which to pass weave.
12. To create heading space to keep weaving straight, weave in the three heading sticks by the normal weaving pattern:
create shed
insert sword
weave-pass shuttle through in one direction
remove sword
change shed (to opposite direction)
insert sword and beat weaving into place
set up sword
weave-bring shuttle back
remove sword
change shed
REPEAT-remember to “beat” weaving after each harness change using the sharp side of the sword.
13. To advance the warp for weaving space: At insertion of sword pop out tension bar, loosen warp from both side pegs, then using sword against the weaving pull straight down until entire warp advances to where only several inches of weaving remain above the bottom beam. Reset tension bar, rewind pegs, weave.