Silk and merino scarf

[ambroemeling]

hello – hoping for some advice! I am a relatively new weaver and have thoroughly enjoyed the online guild lessons and projects (I have completed projects with both cotton and tussah silk). I may have gotten ahead of myself with my latest project – merino wool and Bombyx silk scarf. The merino wool warp went on well but I find the silk weft quite “slippery” and difficult to get the right number of picks per inch and even weave. Should I focus on plain weave to develop my skill before attempting the twill in the pattern? Any advice or is it just a matter of practice makes perfect? Thank you.

[Sandra]

It’s difficult to say – what size and kind of silk are you working with, what is the sett you are using, what twill structure are you weaving???  Are you combining the merino and silk in the weft?  Are you placing your weft in rather than “beating” it in?  The silk shouldn’t be slippery if you have good tension on your warp.  Can you give us a bit more information?  In my humble opinion, I’ve loved all the Plain Weave options that Jane has given us to practice or refine our weaving skills on – and I’ve been weaving for years.

[ambroemeling]

thanks for your quick reply Sandra. I’m working on the Merino wool and silk scarf kit: Melting Ice, with 18/2 merino for the warp and 20/2 Bombyx silk for the weft, aiming for 18 epi and 18 ppi. The kit instructions are for 2/2 twill, with basket weave or plain weave for design.

I am able to get an even weave with the right epi / ppi when practicing in plain weave, but when I try 2/2 twill, I am having a very hard time getting the right ppi.  Perhaps slippery isn’t the best descriptor, but find it difficult to keep my weft from becoming too tight with too many ppi.  Even a very light beat seems to be too much. Is this just a function of twill with 2 over and 2 under and requires practice or are there any tips for working with silk on twill that can help?

Much appreciated. Anne-Marie

 

[Sandra]

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you, Anne-Marie.  I’ve had wi-fi problems today!  Grrrr

Just gently place your silk (“kiss” the fell of the cloth).  The merino will full up against the silk when you finish it.  The merino is the shrinker and the silk will be put in it’s place. 😉  Weaving takes practice – enjoy weaving these scarves and then go back and do the magical Plain Weave lessons like the Denting and the Cramming and Denting ones which will give you practice in placing your weft.

I’m sure you’ll be delighted with your scarves – post a photo when they are done!

[ambroemeling]

Thanks very much for your advice Sandra. As you say, weaving takes practice. So true! I’ve been practicing over the weekend and feeling more confident now about getting the correct picks per inch with the silk. Your advice has been very helpful. thank you.

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