Ask Madelyn


Ask Madelyn: Balancing a Draft

"Balance" is a common concept in weaving that newer weavers might not understand without a little help from Madelyn.

Ask Madelyn: Pleated Scarves

I love the Twill Stripes scarves by Ruby Leslie in the Nov./Dec. 2009 issue of Handwoven. I would love to use some handpainted soy I have on hand as the warp.

Ask Madelyn: Widely Spaced Warp

I’m weaving a double-krokbragd piece, and with most shafts raised on each pick, the shuttle is falling through the widely spaced warp threads that are down. Should I be using stick shuttles instead, or am I just missing the shuttle race?

Ask Madelyn: Doubleweave on 4-Shafts

Can you weave checks in 4-shaft doubleweave?

Ask Madelyn: Double Two-Tie Unit System

What is a double two-tie unit system and why does it allow fancier twills?

Asks Madelyn: Long Eye Heddles

What are long eye heddles used for?

Ask Madelyn: Sett

What's the best way to sley a reed when your optimal sett is 11?

Ask Madelyn: Doubleweave

Wondering how to weave a tube with doubleweave? Here's a quick explanation.

Ask Madelyn: Chenille Selvedges

I can manage decent selvedges with most yarns except chenille. My chenille edges are downright sleazy!

Ask Madelyn: Crossed Threads

If warp ends cross at the back beam, is it a problem?