Ask Madelyn


Ask Madelyn: Smiling Selvedges

We understand that when the fell line at the selvedges starts smiling, our selvedge warp threads are too loose. But when this happens mid-project, is it better to weight them at the back or tuck stuff into the offending areas on the cloth beam?

Ask Madelyn: Tufted Chenille

A reader has questions about caring for their handwoven tufted chenille cloth.

Learning from the Best

When Madelyn writes about weaving, she does so in a way that makes it all seem so simple. While I’ve not had the privilege of attending one of her classes at the Weavers’ School, I have learned a great deal from her project and articles.

Ask Madelyn: Hanging Textiles

Do you have information on the best ways to hang weavings on the wall?

About Doubleweave, Part 1: Block Doubleweave and Finnweave

In this first of a three part series, Madelyn describes the underlying characteristics of block doubleweave and finnweave after explaining how doubleweave differs from doublewidth weaving.

Ask Madelyn: Shuttle Orientation

Could rotating the shuttle fix your weft angle?

Ask Madelyn: Tabby and Pattern

Many books and magazines use the term "Use Tabby" to keep the drafts manageable. What does that mean?

Ask Madelyn: Managing Weft Colors

I have a pattern that calls for 8 picks of light and then 8 picks of dark. How do I keep the selvedge edge from having a long loop of one of the colors?

Ask Madelyn: Weaving with Handspun

You don’t have to weave a separate sample. Just make the warp long enough so you can weave a bit, take that off, wash, and then change the sett on the warp you are using as needed by spreading the threads farther apart or closer together in the reed.

Ask Madelyn: Measuring fabric on the loom

What is the best way to measure your fabric as you weave?