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Mrs Bowden’s top tip – Grainlines

Mrs Bowden’s top tip – Grainlines

Let’s start at the root.

Simple loom

Simple loom

When fabric is woven on a loom there are two threads. The WARP thread which travels along the length of the fabric and the WEFT thread which travels from side to side – this is the moving thread on the bobbin.

Vertical warp threads, horizontal weft threads

Vertical warp threads, horizontal weft threads

As the bobbin moves it creates loops at the side of the fabric which creates a SELVAGE. Sometimes you will see manufacturer’s information printed along the selvedge or a pattern is woven into the selvedge.

 

A variety of selvedges

A variety of selvedges

 

The lengthwise grain of a fabric lies on the WARP threads that are parallel to the SELVEDGE.

The crosswise grain of the fabric are the WEFT threads at 90°to the selvedge.

The true BIAS lies at 45° to the selvedge although anything ‘off-grain’ is mistakenly referred to as the BIAS.

Grainline language

Grainline language

In stitches,

Amanda x

Ps – next week I’ll talk about the lovely qualities of BIAS!

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