Miscellaneous Tapestry Equipment And Materials

Awls
Beater
Grattoir
Bobbins
Tapestry Grid Tablets
Thread Snips
Books
Yarns
Contact
Orders and Payment

 Awls. Used by tapestry weavers for moving warp threads, and other processes that require a strong but pointed object.  These come with cork protection.  After you get it, rub the point a bit on cement or a brick to make it less sharp so that it won't penetrate your warp or weft threads.  US$6.00 each plus shipping. (no wholesale)

“Kathe’s Special Beater”. Kathe has found a great beater for tapestry: a fork with weighted washers! She is having these manufactured locally. Let us know the warp sett you require so we can better fit the beater to your needs. Cost: US funds $6.00 plus s/h. (no wholesale at this time)

Grattoir.  Grattoirs are the French version of the comb used to push the weft into position for tapestry. A Grattoir will place the weft with enough slack (bubble) that it will easily cover the warp. It is used in conjunction with the beater, not to replace it. We have found a talented machinist to make these Grattoirs for us out of stainless steel. We have them available in two sizes, three tooth spacings and two surface finishes. Kathe has found that she likes the feel of the textured finish. Each size and tooth can be ordered in either finish, but you must allow extra time for the manufacturing.
Small Grattoir is 3mm (1 3/16th inch) across at its widest point. It tapers for ease of holding. Length is 7.5 mm (2 15/16th inch).
                Fine Tooth = 10 spaces in 3 mm (10 spaces in 1 3/16th inch) (textured stainless steel)
                Medium Tooth= 5 spaces in 3 mm (5 spaces in 1 3/16th inch) (polished stainless steel)
Large Grattoir is 5.5 mm (2 3/16th inch) across at its widest point. It tapers for ease of holding. Length is 7.5 mm (2 15/16th inch).
                Large Tooth = 5 spaces in 5.5 mm (5 spaces in 2 3/16th inch).    Small $10 retail plus shipping and handling  Large $20 retail plus shipping and handling.  No wholesale at this time.

Picklet Bobbin. Combination awl and bobbin designed by Kathe Todd-Hooker.  Many people find it a handy tool to use as a non breakable pick. Made of hand tooled aluminum, with a drilled hole so it can hang from the loom with a cord.  Two sizes available: 3.5 inches long and 4.5 inches long.  US $12 each plus shipping. (no wholesale)

 Left: Long and short picklets shown beside one of our locally made Swedish-style bobbins.   

Locally Made (Swedish-style) Bobbins.  Wooden tapestry bobbins from a woodworker in Oregon.  These are well-made and will not break easily like the ones we were carrying from Sweden. Kathe has found that these bobbins are easier to get through small sheds and work wonderfully for both small and large format work.  Retail: $6 each plus shipping and handling. Wholesale:  $3.00 each for 20 or more plus s/h.

Left: Swedish-style bobbins.

Left: American-made Brassy Bobs.

American-made Brassy Bobs. Wooden bobbins with brass on the tips so they can be used as awls as well as bobbins. Made of Southeast Dogwood.  Two sizes: Five inch (US $15) and seven inch (US $16).  Plus shipping/handling. (no wholesale)

Left: Aubusson-style Bobbins.

Aubusson-style Bobbins (Bones).  These American made bobbins are used by people weaving tapestry on horizontal warps.  Retail: $5 each plus shipping and handling. Wholesale:  $3.00 each for 20 or more plus s/h.

Left: English-style Tapestry Bobbins.

English–style tapestry bobbins.  Do to a misunderstanding with the wood turner we have making our Swedish-style bobbins, we have a few of these English-style bobbins in two sizes.  We will probably not be carrying them after this batch is sold out.
           Medium bobbin = 5 ¼ inches long, thread shank is 2 ¹/₈ inches long.
           Large bobbin = 6 ½ inches long, thread shank is 2 ³/₄ inches long.   
Price retail $5.50 each Wholesale:  $4.00 each for 20 or more plus s/h.

Tapestry Grid Tablets
30 pages, 15 large and 15 small sett grid; place for notes on the back side. Great for diagramming weft faced plain weave patterns, figuring out hachures and hatches, etc. Teachers, these are a good tool for teaching pick and pick and other weft faced patterning. Cost: US funds $8.00 (Shipping and Handling:$3.67 inside USA and Canada, $8.50 outside North America)  Wholesale: Purchase more than 19, unit price is $5.00.

 Left:   Thread Snips

Special Thread Snips
These snips have 1.25 inch blades and fit snuggly in the hand for greater control when cutting threads near a tapestry.  They are very sharp, but because they handle so well you have less danger of cutting a warp or some vital part of the textile. The internal spring opens them once you cut. Works just like a small pair of spring-loaded scissors.  All steel.  Cost: US funds $7.00 (Shipping and Handling:$3.67 inside USA and Canada, $8.50 outside North America)  (no wholesale)

Fine Fiber Press & Studio
604 First Ave. East
Albany, Oregon 97321-2744
USA

Prices as of November 1, 2007-subject to change
Page updated: 11/03/2008

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