Balanced

 

The English language - with too many words, and too many words taking on multiple meanings.

So what does it mean when someone calls a cloth 'balanced'?

Well, that's the thing - what aspect of the cloth are they referring to?

I frequently design fabric that isn't identical on both sides of the cloth.  So it is with this one.  The sheds are all 7:9.  In other words, the ratio of threads raised and left down is not 'balanced'.  I do this for several reasons - I like the effect of having the two sides being somewhat different but also?  I lift fewer shafts making the physical effort to weave less.

But 'balanced' can also refer to the number of warps and wefts - are they equal?  Then we might call that 'balanced' as well.

This particular warp is weaving up fairly evenly with the twill angle very close to 45 degrees, in the loom.  But the warp has some light tension on it, so it is stretched.  When this warp comes off the loom and is wet finished, I expect the twill angle to be somewhat less than 45 degrees, which will mean the warp/weft ratio will not be 'perfect'.  Therefore, it will not be 'balanced'.

Does it matter?  

We have 'standards' and 'ideals' for a reason.  They give us something to aim for.  To encourage us to hone our skills, work to expand our knowledge.  But ultimately the 'test' of any cloth (to my mind) is - does it fulfill its function?  Does the tea towel dry dishes?  Does a shawl keep me warm?  Does a scarf keep my neck warm and add a splash of colour during the winter when things (here, at least) are generally shades of white/grey/black?

If you can't be 'perfect' be consistent.  And understand that some words have multiple meanings and why so many answers to weaving questions begin with 'it depends'...

Snail's Trails and Cat's Paws motif, sheds are 6:10 ratio - the other side of the cloth is white with green motif.