Plot on Network - Weft

Design | Weft Group

Icon on the Design Menu

Note: Network drafting is a method of weaving curved shapes on a shaft loom, freeing the designer from the traditional limitations of block designs. This documentation explains how to use the tools in TempoWeave to apply the process.

For a full course on Network Drafting in TempoWeave—including the underlying theory and numerous examples—see Alice Schlein’s self-paced course. For more information see Networking Drafting and Amalgamation Class with Alice Schlein

Plot on Network Weft uses the treadling sequence or liftplan in the weft plots it on the network based on an initial that helps produce cloth without long floats. Combined with the threading in the warp (possibly also plotted on a network) allows the creation of curved shapes that can be woven on looms that would not ordinarily have enough shafts.

The usual starting point is to draw a design line in the weft, often using Line Draw or Free Draw (see Draw Options).

Plotting on a Network in Weft with a Tie-Up

When a tie-up is used, only one initial is available for selection. Any design line in the weft may then be applied to the network.

Use the drop-down menu to select the network initial. The dimensions of the initial are displayed, but these are typically left unchanged unless you are creating a custom initial.

Plotting on a Network in Weft with a LiftPlan

When working with a liftplan, the Network Drafting feature provides two pattern presets. These can be thought of as the background (Pattern Preset A) and the foreground pattern (Pattern Preset B). The selected pixels in the liftplan are filled using Pattern Preset B, while the unselected areas remain as Pattern Preset A.

You can also adjust the pattern line width. Using a single-pixel pattern line with an increased ribbon width often produces greater detail in the woven structure.

To apply your selections, click Plot Weft. This will generate the design based on the chosen presets and ribbon width. If you change your mind, select Cancel to return to the main design menu.

When plotting on the network, you can use Undo (Ctrl+Z) to revert to the weft prior to plotting.

Video Example of Plotting on the Network with Images in a Liftplan

In this example, the new Image Processing feature in TempoWeave is used along with Plot on Network Weft in a liftplan to make the images ready to weave. See this video using Coffee Cup images on a 32-shaft liftplan.