Threading Cross (lease) for the Loom A

At one end of the warp is the cross (lease) you’re familiar with: the thread-by-thread lease that keeps the threads in their precise order and from which you thread the heddles. At the opposite end of the warp is the raddle lease, which is formed with groups of threads. This lease is used for filling the raddle. See figures A and B.

Raddle Cross for the Loom B

When measuring the warp and using a paddle, a “false” lease develops next to the threading lease; when warping one thread at a time, a false lease develops next to the raddle lease.

False Cross (lease) C

Neither of these false leases are needed, nor can they be avoided. But they can’t be used either, so be sure to use the real lease and not the false one.

Instead of cutting the end loops when removing the warp from the reel or warping board, tie two ties at each end of the warp through the end loops.

Raddle Cross for the Loom D

If you don’t cut your warps, you avoid knots on the warp beam that distort your warp during beaming. Not only that, ties at each end hold the end loops intact and in order. See Figures D and E.

Loading a Raddle for the Loom E

Use the raddle cross (also called raddle lease) to load the raddle quickly and efficiently.

Threading Cross (lease) for the Loom F

Use the thread-by-thread cross (lease) to thread the heddles. This setup is efficient and prevents threading mistakes.

Threading the Loom Set-up G