Selecting Warp Yarn for a Rigid Heddle Loom--Check out our Terra yarns!

Rigid heddles come in different dent sizes.  It is important to consider the dent size of your heddle(s) before you choose a warp yarn.  As the dent size number increases 8 to 10 to 12), the "thickness" of your warp material must decrease.

All rigid heddles are made of parts composed of slots and holes.  Your warp threads must be able to pass through these holes and slots without resistance.  As you raise and lower the heddle, the threads in the slots must slip so that their elevation is not altered. As you beat your project the heddle must slide forward and back without causing yarn to bunch up in the slots and holes.  Up, down, forward and backwards - your rigid heddle must move easily and not cause problems with the warp.

With experience you may be able to judge suitability of dent size/yarn size simply by looking at your warp material.  But at first there is a chance you will misjudge.  We suggest that if in doubt you first create a short sample warp maybe 2 inches wide and thread it through your heddle to test how it performs.  Remember, in addition to changing heddle size you can adjust your project by substituting a slightly different material for the warp.  Some material will simply not be suitable as a warp but you may be able to use it for the weft.

Tidal Waves a Tofutsies Pattern

Use any of the Tofustsies colors to create your unique pair of socks in the Tidal Waves Pattern. 

Click here for the PDF version of this pattern. http://soysilk.com/mrcfiles/mrc-patterns/tofutsies-patterns/tofutsies-tidalwave.pdf

 Angelina--How to Heat Bond

The instructions for heat bonding are as follows:
The temperature required is dependent on several variables including dwell time and applied pressure.  Increasing dwell time and heat results in predictable color shifts in the fiber.  Approximate bonding temperature is around 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Since temperature gauges on irons vary widely even within most brand models, it is best to test a small amount to determine your correct bonding temperature.

Simply place a small amount of fiber between two sheets of tissue paper or baker's parchment, Heat iron to silk temperature setting. Gently, with little pressure, move the iron back and forth on the paper, checking frequently on the bonding progress.  Be careful not to "fry" the Angelina fiber with too much heat or pressure or too long dwell time.

Generally, Angelina heat bondable fiber will only adhere to itself and not to other fibers, tissue, parchment or fabrics. To have it bond to other fabric or fiber,  heat bond it and then use a product like Bonash (found in our store) or Super Solvy.