Beaming your Warp

Beaming the Warp

Beaming the warp is the process of getting the warp onto the warp beam (at the back of the loom).

While you're beaming the warp, make sure that you are using packing material throughout the process, not just at the beginning or end.

Using Sticks to Pack the Warp

If you're using sticks to pack your warp--whether wooden or cardboard--it's a good practice to put one at least every half turn of the warp beam. It may also be helpful to put more sticks at the beginning of the warp to make sure the apron ties don't cut into the warp.

Using Paper to Pack the Warp

If you're using paper to pack your warp, it's tempting to just use one long piece for the whole warp. That way madness lies: you will find yourself constantly stopping to straighten out the paper, slightly tugging it this way and that, to keep it even under your warp. Instead, use shorter pieces--about a yard long at most--and over lap them when you come close to the end of the paper. This makes it easier to control the paper as you beam the warp, especially if you're doing it on you own.

Which way is best?

When I beam the warp, I often end up doing a combination of paper and sticks. I especially like using the sticks at the beginning of the warp where the apron ties might cut into the warp, but I typically end up using paper throughout the majority of the warp when I'm in the shop. At home, I tend to use sticks for the majority of the warp, because that's what I have. In the end, it comes down to convenience.