Determining the correct sett for your project can be a bit of a challenge. If the same yarn is used in both warp and weft, the following formula should result in a balanced weave structure.
W = Wrap the yarn around a ruler, with the yarn just touching, to determine the number of wraps per inch.
I = Study the weave structure of the pattern you wish to use, and determine the number of intersections in the pattern repeat. Each time the weft travels from the front to the back of the fabric, passing between warp threads, this is counted as an intersection.
i.e. in a tabby weave there are 2 intersections in any given 2 warp threads.
in a twill weave there are 2 intersections in any 4 threads.
R = Determine the number of warp and weft threads in one repeat of the pattern.
Sett = W – ((I * W) / (I+R))
Example:
Yarn: 10/2 Cotton
W = 35
Tabby Weave
I = 2
R = 2
Sett = 35 – ((2 * 35) / (2 + 2))
Sett = 18
Twill Weave
I = 2
R = 4
Sett = 35 – ((2 * 35)/ (2 + 4))
Sett = 23.4
The result can be rounded up to a sett of 24 epi. It is best to weave a small sample, and wash or wet finish it. As each weaver has a different ‘hand’ or weaves with a slightly different tension, the resulting fabric may yield a product. The sett will have to be adjusted to obtain the desired result. Also, depending on the drape or use of the fabric, the sett may be changed from 10% – 30 %. For a looser weave structure such as lacey curtains, the sett would be reduced. For tight weaves, such as upholstery, increase the sett.
Table of Setts
How to Weave a Mirror Warp
How to Use a McMorran Balance
Double Width Weaving
Rigid Heddle Weaving Books
The Weaver’s Idea Book: Creative Cloth on a Rigid Heddle Loom
Handwoven Home: Weaving Techniques, Tips, and Projects for the Rigid-Heddle Loom
Color & Texture for the Rigid Heddle Loom: A Study in Yarn Selection for Weavers
Weaving Made Easy Revised and Updated: 17 Projects Using a Rigid-Heddle Loom
WeaveKnitWear: Simply Fabulous Clothing and Accessories for Rigid Heddle (and Other) Weavers
Hand Weaving Books
Weaving on a Little Loom (Everything you need to know to get started with weaving, includes 5 simple projects
The Key to Weaving: A Textbook of Hand Weaving for the Beginning Weaver
The Weaver’s Companion (The Companion Series)
Learning to Weave
The Big Book of Weaving: Handweaving in the Swedish Tradition: Techniques, Patterns, Designs and Materials
The Handweaver’s Pattern Directory
A Weaver’s Book of 8-Shaft Patterns: From the Friends of Handwoven
Krokbragd: How to Design & Weave
Doubleweave: On Four to Eight Shafts
Double Weave: Theory and Practice<
Magic of Doubleweave: The Best of Weaver’s (Best of Weaver’s series)
Weaving In the Arts: Widening the Learning Circle
DIY Woven Art: Inspiration and Instruction for Handmade Wall Hangings, Rugs, Pillows and More!
>On the Loom: A Modern Weaver’s Guide
Categories: HAND WEAVING