To start a band, I weave in 4 quite fine dowels (about the size of a
US#0 or 1 knitting needle). This both spreads the warp in gives me
something solid to beat against. As I weave the first pick, I leave
a long weft tail and then weave both the active weft and the tail
into the next two picks. After a few more picks, you can snip the
remaining weft tail close to the selvage.
To finish, I do the following:
1. on the third from the last pick, and with the weft weaving from
left to right, I weave in (along with the weft) a long needle ("doll
needle" is a good choice) with the eye pointing to the left.
2. on the second to the last pick, now weaving right to left, I weave
in (with the weft) a long needle with they eye pointing to the right.
3. on the last pick, now weaving left to right again, I weave just
the weft (no needles), and cut the weft to about 10" or 12" long.
At this point you have two needles woven into your band, plus a
hanging thread from the weft. Now do this:
1. the weft and the eye of the needle from the second to the last
pick should be on the same side. Thread the weft through the eye of
the needle & pull it through the band. Take the thread out of the
needle & set this needle aside
2. Now the thread and the eye of the needle in the third from the
last pick are on the same side. Thread the weft through the eye and
pull this needle through. Snip the thread right next to the selvage.
This technique works for both tablet weaving & inkle weaving. In
fact, since TW is a tighter, twined weave, you can probably safely
get away with just one needle, on the second to last pick. I usually
use two, however, just to be safe.
This may sound confusing, but if you map it out on paper (drawing in
the needles w/ their eyes), you'll immediately see how it works.
Ruth
