Loom Weights: Clay Rings Pierced, Dried and Pit-Fired

On a warp-weighted loom, bundles of warp threads are tied to hanging weights that keep them taut. The weights must match, and their mass suits the yarn. Shape them from clay as thick rings, dry them slowly and fire them in a pit. The picture: our diagram, a row of ring weights on warp bundles.

초급

A week, mostly drying

안내

Prepare the clay

Wedge the clay with a little fine sand until even. Make one test weight first and weigh it wet.

이 단계의 재료:

점토5 kg

고운 모래0.5 kg

필요한 도구:

물

도마

접시 저울

Shape the rings

Weigh out equal lumps, roll each into a ball, flatten it to a thick disc and push a stick through the middle to open a hole wide enough for a warp bundle.

필요한 도구:

접시 저울

막대기

도마

Dry

Dry the rings slowly in the shade, turning them, until they are pale and dry right through.

필요한 도구:

도마

Pit-fire

Warm them beside the fire, then bury them in the embers of a pit fire and keep it burning for some hours. Let them cool in the pit. Weigh them and keep a matched set.

필요한 도구: