Skill Guide: More Knots for Weavers

Knots—and by extension, bows—are a vital part of weaving—especially where warping is concerned. When you’re tying your warp onto the loom you want knots that will hold firm and, in some cases, be easily untied and retied. Having a good selection of knots in your metaphorical weaving toolbox can make the warping process that much more efficient.

Today’s skill guide will teach you how to use three different knots every rigid-heddle weaver should know for warping.

• Half bow
• Looped lark’s head
• Surgeon’s knot

Every item we’ve selected for this guide is part of your All Access program and will help you get the most out of your subscription. Check out the Little Looms Library and our video course website for more learning opportunities.

Happy Weaving,
Christina

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More Knots to Know

Adapted from Do it by Hand: Knotting Efficiency

Half Bow

One of well-known weaver Laura Fry’s tips is “Never use a knot where a bow will do.” Knots require untying and sometimes even cutting, whereas a half bow can serve the same purpose in many instances and simply requires a tug on one end to release it. Anytime you are tying a knot inweaving, ask yourself if you will be untying it, and if the answer is yes, consider tying a half bow instead. Half bows work well at securing warp chains or tying on to the front apron bar for warps under light tension. You can also use them to secure a slippery warp while youare adjusting its tension before tying your final knots.