Terminology

Block

A block is a group of warp and weft threads that interlace in a specific way. Combining blocks of different interlacements throughout the cloth are used to create pattern. Typically each unique interlacement is given a label such as Block A, Block B, etc.

Profile Draft

Combining the Blocks in the Threading and Treadling, similar to how you'd enter a thread-by-thread draft results in a macro-level view of the design that will be seen on the cloth. The blocks, when replaced with weave structure, will become a thread-by-thread draft. The process of taking the graph from blocks to weave structure is called Block Substitution.

The term Profile Draft originates from the silhouettes that were typically in black and white that represented a person likeness, as a profile of their face from the side.

Pattern and Background

As with the silhouettes, the Pattern is typically black and the Background white. This corresponds to black in the warp area of the profile and white in the weft.

As you'll see, with software we sometimes use color in our profile drafts, but the overall design still emerges.

Block Weaves

Available interlacements are referred to as block weaves. These are small units of that become the replacements for the block in the profile draft. Plain weave, twill, laces, overshot and summer and winter are examples of block weaves.

Some block weaves are unit weaves and can be used in any combination concern as to the number of repeats or the order of the blocks are called Unit Weaves. Non-unit weaves have constraints. Non unit-weaves are used in block substitution, but there are rules and constraints such as needing to add or remove threads when blocks join, or having a limit of repeating the same block to avoid very long floats.

Examples of Unit Weaves

• Bergman

• Bronson Lace

• Double Two Tie Weaves

• Double Weave

• Huck Lace Full

• Quigley

• Satin

• Summer and Winter

• Turned Twill

Examples of Non-Unit Weaves

• Spot Bronson

• Monk's Belt

• Overshot

• Crackle

For a list of profile weaves included with TempoWeave for block substitution, see this link:

Block Substitution - Available Block Weaves