Needleweaving with Bamboo—2

Here is the nearly finished needlewoven necklace—Clementines and Sage. Bamboo yarn was used for the majority of the weaving. Its thicker weight made the weaving go quickly, but I had some trouble along the edges.

The threads outlining the bottom edge
are the warp tails.

To create a rounded edge along the bottom of the necklace, I took the long warp ends (tails) from each side and wrapped them under the row of bottom pins. This outer thread was then incorporated into the weaving. (Usually the tails are pulled above the necklace and used for the neckstraps.)

I’ve used this method before with better results. I think the thicker fiber doesn’t produce a clean edge the way perle cotton does. It is harder to compact, and the looser weave makes a softer edge.

Would adding dangles of beads along the bottom have helped? I decided keep it simple. At the center-bottom, I tied the warp ends together, then threaded a large bead onto the doubled threads. Next, I added a #6 bead and tied the warps ends with a square knot, clipping the threads to about ½ inch.

Using pins, I positioned the large bead so that the knot was facing up, and added a few drops of clear-drying glue to the knot. The next day, I cut the ends flush. Later, I used the same process to secure the bead used as a clasp.

A simple finishing technique—glue!

This was a new technique for me, and I like its simplicity. Each project seems to come with new challenges and solutions. The needleweaving process is self-sustaining. By the time I’ve finished a necklace, I’ve thought of two or three more ideas I want to try out.

Share your biggest challenge or favorite weaving solution, by clicking on the title of this post and leaving a comment. To see the finished necklace, visit my website.