Loosen the two boards at the centre and place them close to the dowel. Place the bridge over the set of threads nearest you. Take a six-inch piece of cord and catch up first warp thread. Tie thread to bridge. All knots should be made like a weaver's knot. The loop should not extend lower than two inches below the bridge.
Fig. 226. The foot
This completes the setting up of the loom. To weave, the material may be cut as stated before or raffia or Indian fibre may be used. If the weaving is to be in one colour only, it is well to join the pieces together and wind on a long shuttle. If short pieces are used a hook will be required. It can be made of a strip of wood taken from the hem of window shades. Notch one end of it.
A selvage will be necessary at the beginning and the end of the weaving and is done in a fine cord.
Start at left-hand corner and tie the thread to warp. Pass the shuttle to right-hand side between the threads. Lower the bridge and pass the shuttle back again between the threads to left-hand side. Raise the bridge again and repeat as just explained. It will be best to comb down the woof to keep it straight and regular. A regular weavers' comb can be bought, but a coarse hair comb may be substituted. Six rows will be sufficient for the selvage. The regular weaving is worked the same only in coarse warp. Remember the bridge must be lowered every other time.
In weaving a new thread or strand commence a little way back from where the last strand stopped.
Learn to weave and you get much more artistic effects in rugs than ordinary rug or portière weavers obtain.
Beautiful cushions and other useful articles can be made by weaving.