FAN REEDS

Weaving reeds usually consist of wires set at regular intervals to keep the threads spaces correctly for the developing cloth.	CLICK HERE FOR A MOVIE SHOWING THE FAN REED IN ACTION
The FAN REED sets the wires at fanning angles. These are also known as ondule reeds, and are are taller than normal reeds. During weaving, the warp threads move gradually from a spaced position to a crammed position, and back again. The resulting cloth shows undulating effects along the warp direction, and is known as warp ondule.
	Reed designed and manufactured March 2007. 22" long, 15 epi center spacing.
Here is a detailed photo of the FAN REED, showing how the spacing and cramming of the warp threads is conducted.
THE WOOLGATHERERS is now in a position to supply FAN REEDS to weavers who desire something special to enhance their weaving palette. These are custom made reeds with a lead time of 4-8 weeks from time of order.	Detail of reed shown above.

FAN REEDS need to be designed by the weaver. There are, naturally, limitations to the design process.
	Reed Height - between 5.5" and 6"
	Center spacing (denting in center of reed) between 10 and 20 epi
	Minimum length 16"
	Maximum length 48"
	Width of the fan and the resulting angle can be specified. Contact us to determine if your desired reed is feasible.

FAN REEDS are made of stainless steel. Profiles are aluminum, rounded and similar to standard Swedish reed construction.
Custom work is not inexpensive. Our rough estimate for FAN REEDS is about $90-100 per 4" reed length.(Dependent on international currency exchange and shipping costs.)

Designing and weaving with a fan reed emphasizes color, texture and yarn spacing. It is a perfect medium for optical illusion and unusual color combinations. Below are some photos of my first sample warp using the fan reed. the yarn used is 10/2 mercerized cotton in Tubular Spectrum colors from Lunatic Fringe - sett 24 epi. Navy blue was 20/2 doubled in warp and used as a single strand for weft in one of the pieces.

This sample was woven at the end of the warp. Plain weave. Whe lifting device was not used. The subtle undulations are the result of the fan reed striking the fell line at slightly different angles. Each advance of the warp grought onr of the "bumps".

Using the single 20/2, treadling was in a sequence using #1 of the twill and alternating tabby giving a warp stripe effect beyond the colors used.

Using the medium blue as weft, treadled with a broken twill.

Straight 4-shaft twill with light green weft.

Tabby with darket green weft.

	Click on the small photos for more detail.

For additional examples of warp ondule fabric - click here	Contact us for more information and quotation.