I am going to be weaving TEXANS vertically on a blank with the tip side at .86in and butt side .95in with a overall length of 17in. "Texans" does not have to fill the entire area, but appropriate size letters for the blank is needed. This will be matching a set Billy V's custom grips with the Texans logo on them. I have a couple of questions. I have only done a few weaves thus far. What size thread would be best to use? How many threads should I use? Is it possible to make a weave of this length turn out nice? Can I start in the middle and work out in one direction at a time to keep the weave centered? Any other suggestions would be appreciated or even if someone would be willing to share a pattern that would be awesome.


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Hello Brandon.

You need to talk to Jim Upton about that but there used to be some patterns for letters in the rod builders library.

What type of weaving loom do you use?
I use a wonder Weaver, but have only done a few weaves mostly dragons and fish.

Well good luck with the weave.

Bob,

New Bern, NC.

Brandon; I'm at work right now but will help you after I get home tonight. Be sure your E-Mail info is not locked so I can send you E-Mail. There are several things I would need to know.

Jim

First, a few general things to know.

100 size "A" weaving threads cover about 1 inch or 21mm and a little less for the same wrapping thread. So, a pattern (or single letter in this case) that you would want to be 21mm X 21mm square would require 100 weaving threads and 100 wrapping turns to complete (approx). If you used 100 "A" threads in your pattern, "TEXANS" having 6 letters with spaces in between, the completed weave would be about 7 inches long and wrap all the way around the blank if your stated measurements above ( .86in and .95in) are the circumference and about half way around if those are diameter measurements. Figure 100 threads high X 650 turns long (10 turns between letters).

Size "C" is about 80 threads per inch.

Size "D" is about 66 threads per inch.

Yes, it's possible for a weave that long to look great but the key is to keep it straight. Wrapping tension will want to pull the weave downward.

I'm going to assume the above mesurements are the diameter so I would think the letters would look the best at about 1/2 in high so they dont wrap to far around the blank and be easier to read. So, figure a letter pattern of 50 "A" design threads or 40 "C" design threads or 33 "D" design threads. "TEXANS" would be approx 1/2 in high X 3 1/2 in long completed without any trim decor.

Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..

Ray, I think he said he wants the letters to read virtically, T at the top and S at the bottom, unless I missed something or read more into it than he intended.

Your right Jim,

I missed "vertically".

However, the thread specs are the same regardless. Correct? That is except for the letters can be taller / narrower on the vertical and still be read well.

A block letter generally has the same measurement wrapped in either orientation thus the term "block" lettering.

Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..

A special thanks to Jim Upton and Raymond Adams for the emails and getting me pointed in the right direction on this weave. Once I get rolling I'm sure I will have more questions. You guys have gone above and beyond. I'm sure you guys are extremely busy and to take the time to send me patterns and break down the pattern sizes and number of threads to use is absolutely outstanding. Thank You.

My pleasure Brandon,

Just paying it forward cuz what goes around comes around I always say and others have done the same for me many times.

Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..

Does anyone have any plans for building a loom before I invest in a high dollar one ? I am gonna get me some books as well but who would y'all suggest Doc Ski ? I understand he's a godfather of weaving?

Jim Upton detailed plans for a weaving jig in a past issue of RodMaker. You might also check the photo page under his name. I think he's showed it there previously.

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Doc Ski's weaving jigs are available to buy for about $50. Doc's Dvd - "Advanced weaving Techniques" Jim Upton's book - "A guide to thread weaving for the custom rod builder. Jim's book also shows how to make a weaving jig.

Jersey, Channel Islands. (U.K.)