Click squares in the example to see how each part changes the cloth.
How a weaving draft works
A weaving draft is the recipe for a woven structure on a shaft loom. It has three parts that you set and one that is worked out. The threading shows which shaft each warp end passes through. The tie-up shows which shafts are connected to each treadle. The treadling shows which treadle to press for each pass of the weft, called a pick. From those three, the drawdown shows where warp or weft is on top for every crossing. WeaveDraft uses a rising shed: a filled square in the tie-up means that treadle lifts that shaft, and every warp end on a lifted shaft appears on the surface.
Reading the drawdown
Dark squares, in the warp colour, show warp on top; light squares show weft. Plain weave makes a checkerboard. A straight twill steps one end per pick, forming a diagonal. Point threading reverses the twill so it zigzags, and treadling the same way turns zigzags into diamonds. The stats line reports the longest float, the number of threads one yarn passes over without being tied down. Floats longer than about five threads can snag in use.
Using presets
Presets give you a starting point. Plain weave and basket weave are the simplest structures. Straight twill works on any number of shafts and lifts half of them per pick. Point twill gives bird’s eye on four shafts and larger diamonds on eight. Rosepath, a classic Scandinavian threading, makes small stars and diamonds when woven as drawn in, and many other motifs with different treadlings. Change shafts, treadles, ends and picks to suit your loom.
Editing your own draft
Click a square in the threading to move that end to another shaft, or click it again to leave it empty. Click tie-up squares to connect or disconnect shafts, and treadling squares to choose the treadle for each pick. Warp and weft colour pickers let you preview the look of the cloth. Your draft stays in your browser.
Frequently asked questions
Which way do I read the threading?
Usually right to left, though some drafts read left to right.
What is a pick?
One pass of the weft.
What is a sinking shed tie-up?
Filled squares lower shafts instead; invert the tie-up to convert.
Is WeaveDraft free?
Yes, with no sign-up or ads.
Is my draft uploaded?
No. It stays in this browser.