a. What kind of warp threads would you like to use. b. What will the length of your warp be. c. What is the width of the article to be woven. d. How many warp threads do you need in 1 inch. e. What will the total number of warp threads be. f. What is the purpose of your article to be woven. Does it require a stiff, firm structure or a drapeable one.
2. If you will be using varied types of warp threads in one piece, consider the following:
a. Using very thick and very fine yarns does influence the warp tension. b. You can alternate one thick and one thin thread but not in groups (thin threads will wind tighter than the thick ones on the warp beam. It will effect the tension by piling up in the thick sections). When using this technique, use two separate warp beams. c. If you would like a seersucker effect than you may place a group of thick thread next to a group of thin threads.
3. There are basically three types of fabric.
a. Where the warp and weft threads have the same prominence. b. A weft faced fabric where the weft thread hide the warp threads. *this is accomplished by selecting your warp threads from yarns finer than your weft yarns. *Or you may place your warp thread a size or two wider in your reed. c. A warp faced fabric where the warp threads hide your weft threads. *Here you would space your warp threads very close together in your reed. *Or select your weft threads to be generally finer than your warp threads.
4. Suitable yarns for warps.
a. Use strong cotton, linens or tightly spun wools. b. Your yarn should not break when you snap it. i.e. this applies to either two plies or tightly twisted singles.
5. Notes concerning the use of your warping board:
a. The cross during warping is very important. It keeps the thread in the proper order for threading your pattern on your loom. b. Any color changes which occur during the warping board process must occur at the beginning peg or at the end of the cross. c. It is helpful when looping the cross threads into their groups, to use a contrasting colored thread. d. Tie all chokes tightly in an alternate color thread.