Double Delight
The Jack Loom shows its versatility by weaving very delicate yarns into a soft, beautiful fabric.
My journey with “Jack” (my Ashford Jack loom) has been a busy one. Recently, I wanted to sample some very fine, delicate cashmere silk yarn from my stash of precious yarns. I was curious how Jack would weave up this beautiful yarn. I chose a double deflect draft and wove two variations and it was an absolute delight.
Even with the most delicate of yarns Jack was gentle, gracious, and produced the most delightful fabric with no effort at all – and much faster than I could ever weave on my table loom.
From my sample I upcycled a tunic and made a beautiful cowl.
You will need:
Loom: Eight shaft Jack loom
Reed: 16dpi sleyed 2, 3
Warp and weft yarn: 65% Cashmere, 35% Silk Nm 65/3 ca
21,000m/kg, 60gm (2ozs) red, 60gm (2ozs) dark grey
Here’s how:
Number of ends: 324 (plus double floating selvedge on each side)
Sett: 16epcm (40epi)
Warp length: 5m (196ins)
Width in the loom: 20cm (8ins)
Finished size: 4.6m x 19cm (181 x 7½ ins)
Weave structure: Double deflect
Warping and Weaving
Wind the warp in the colour sequence of four threads grey followed by four threads red. Click on the links below for the full threading and treadling drafts.
Hint: Always go over the floating selvedge when taking the shuttle in and under on the way out – except for the first row of each red section – go under both floating selvedges.
