Edward F. Worst (1866–1949)

This book was originally published in 1918 as a manual for home weavers. Dover Books republished it as an unaltered republication of the 1924 edition. Therefore, some of the pictures in the book are dated, but it is surprising how little has actually changed in equipment and methods.

The book covers winding a warp on a board and on a warping reel. I think that the instructions here are somewhat sketchy. Winding multiple threads by using a paddle is explained and picking off the cross is show more described. It is possible that the procedure could be learned from this book, but it might take a bit of practice to figure it out.

There are threading and treadling instructions for many of the old traditional drafts, a few very interesting linen weaves and drafts for four, six and eight shafts. Weaving drafts are in a sort of abbreviated notation, but most are fairly easy to figure out. There is also a chapter on double weave and weaving double weave counterpanes. The very last chapter deals with natural dyes, but I think other sources for that information will be preferred.

I think the main value in this volume will be the weaving drafts and historical designs, although the book does contain much in the way of basic weaving advice and explanations. show less

Very old book. OOP Amazon lists it at $525.

Old book that has been a keeper in my library.

Katherine Driver