Ask Madelyn


Ask Madelyn: What is the Actual Definition of a Gamp?

The word “gamp” comes from a slang term for “umbrella.” In weaving a gamp is a fun and interesting way to study weave structures, or color interaction, or both!

Ask Madelyn: Broken Warp Threads Throughout Weaving

Broken warp threads at the edges aren't usually a problem for me. When they do occur, I understand that the breakage is probably due to draw-in.

Ask Madelyn: Master Yarn Chart Setts

Weaving master Madelyn answers a question about a master yarn chart sett and warping a loom in this helpful weaving article.

Ask Madelyn: Pearl vs. Unmercerized Cotton: What's the Difference?

The types of cotton yarn most often used in weaving are 10/2 pearl cotton and 8/2 unmercerized cotton. What's the difference between pearl and unmercerized?

Ask Madelyn: How to Warp a Loom for an Overshot Rug

Is there a reason for warping an overshot rug front to back, rather than back-to-front warping? How do you decide how to warp a loom for a given project?

Ask Madelyn: Calculating Take-Up and Predicting Final Size

When learning how to weave, many weavers struggle with calculating take-up. Learn to predict your final weaving dimensions based on materials and structure.

Ask Madelyn: How to Deal with Very Short Warps

Need to learn how to warp a loom with a very short warp, maybe for a precious yarn? Here's how to make sure you get even tension when warping back-to-front.

Ask Madelyn: How to Modify Weaving Drafts for Yarn Substitutions

What do you do if you need to substitute yarn that requires a different sett? How do you modify weaving drafts to get the same final project size?

Ask Madelyn: Weaving Help: I Forgot to Tie the Cross

I carefully wound a 13-yd warp of 8/2 natural cotton and took it off the warping board and then realized that I forgot to tie the cross. What should I do?

Ask Madelyn: Even Warp Tension: A Review

Why would a warp get tighter on one side of the loom and looser on the other?