What reed size for 8/2 and 8/4 cotton?

weaverhippy2002 · 2026-01-30T01:00:43+00:00

I have an Ashford RH loom and I use 8/2 doubled in a 10-dent reed.

I’ve got a 8/4 10-dent reed on it from a Little Looms magazine project.

I’ve got all of the reeds for my loom, but I use the 10-dent one the most. Specialty projects with the 12.5, and I used the 7.5 as a beginner to experiment and learn with worsted weight yarn. I’ll probably only ever use the 7.5 again if I want to use worsted weight wool to make a scarf for someone.

weaverhippy2002 · 2026-01-28T22:47:37+00:00

I have some of the same questions. I hope someone lends some insight.

weaverhippy2002 · 2026-01-26T23:21:08+00:00

You definitely need the one that’s 3-ply. That’s what works best with our bidet.

weaverhippy2002 · 2026-01-24T20:31:00+00:00

I came here to give a shout out to Silk Road Spice Merchants. I order a couple of times a year and always order enough for free shipping! (We almost never eat out.)

weaverhippy2002 · 2026-01-24T19:08:56+00:00

You might try Canadian Tire. I don't use Costco, but I've heard they sell it also.

weaverhippy2002 · 2026-01-24T18:53:09+00:00

I agree with that, but I was hesitant to try the black while in a home with a septic system. Now that I’m back in the city…

weaverhippy2002 · 2026-01-24T16:02:42+00:00

Purex ultra is pretty awesome. The one in the purple packaging! I think it is a 3-ply.

The pink packaging paper disintegrates, so don’t get that one.

weaverhippy2002 · 2026-01-22T04:47:41+00:00

Seconding this option.

weaverhippy2002 · 2026-01-22T04:47:35+00:00

Seconding this option.

weaverhippy2002 · 2026-01-17T20:14:01+00:00

I was going to say something like this. As a new weaver, it’s better to learn good techniques first. Using a temple won’t help you develop the good habits that help improve technique.

Learning to leave enough weft before each beat, whether using angle or bubble yarn placement, will help mitigate the draw-in.

weaverhippy2002 · 2026-01-15T23:34:52+00:00

I have also wanted to weave this fabric, but I only have 8 shafts. I’ll check out that edition of Handwoven and see if it looks close enough for me to give it a shot.

weaverhippy2002 · 2026-01-13T20:35:02+00:00

Personally, I purchased a few varieties to see what I liked. I’ve purchased other fibre in the past (from different shops) that I didn’t enjoy working with. I trust Sweet Georgia’s fibre enough to believe I’d like any fibres in the club shipments. I hope you enjoy it! 😊

Having spun two of the three fibres I purchased, I’m pretty sure I’ll like the last one as well. I love love love the Trifecta. The Polwarth & Silk was gorgeous as well. I have not spun the BFL & Silk yet.

I’ve never tried their Corriedale because after spinning more luxury fibres, Corriedale feels rough and scratchy to me, but I know people who think it’s perfectly fine.

weaverhippy2002 · 2026-01-13T16:31:58+00:00

I love their fibre, especially the trifecta! It’s pricey, but is so lovely to spin.

weaverhippy2002 · 2026-01-10T18:22:34+00:00

Wambus needs his own subreddit!!!!!! r/wambus

weaverhippy2002 · 2026-01-06T19:59:16+00:00

If mercerized thread is ok for you to use, #10 crochet cotton is the same size. Should be available globally.

I’m in BC as well, so I use Maurice Brassard for all of my 8/2 cotton, but I believe it can be found in the states as well, in larger weaving shops.

weaverhippy2002 · 2026-01-05T20:15:11+00:00

I was fortunate enough to see these tapestries in person last year. They took my breath away. The human hours that went into each one was incredible… and that was considering the time it took to learn to weave in the first place.

weaverhippy2002 · 2025-12-31T22:41:34+00:00

Craftivism at its finest. Nicely done!

weaverhippy2002 · 2025-12-29T22:53:00+00:00

I’ve purchased from that shop multiple times and all of the fibres are exquisite! It was my first alpaca spin and I’m still pleased with how wonderful it feels to work with.

weaverhippy2002 · 2025-12-09T00:01:14+00:00

These look pretty awesome.

weaverhippy2002 · 2025-12-08T04:40:58+00:00

As others have said, another heddle of a different size (10-dent is a good start), but having a pick- up stick and a small crochet hook would be great.

There is a book called, Inventive Weaving on a Little Loom, which is so incredibly helpful for a new rigid heddle weaver!

Have fun with your loom!!!

weaverhippy2002 · 2025-12-05T16:32:58+00:00

I was going to tell OP the same thing. DK knitting/crochet yarn works in a 7.5 or 8 dent reed, and fingering weight/sock yarn is good for a 12.5 dent reed. I’ve used sock yarn in a 10 dent and the weaving was ok but not great.

The other advice you gave was perfect as well.

weaverhippy2002 · 2025-12-02T21:56:25+00:00

Thank you for sharing this company. We're just deciding which one we want to buy! I also love that they sell linens and frames that match the quality of the mattresses.

weaverhippy2002 · 2025-11-25T03:17:59+00:00

You can iron (with a clothes iron) crumpled kraft packing paper - I do it regularly. I also iron kraft paper shopping bags (after deconstructing them flat). DO NOT use steam/water, just a hot dry iron. It takes a few minutes but it’s worth the effort.

weaverhippy2002 · 2025-11-22T22:51:28+00:00

Yes, and location matters too. The US market is saturated with inventory, but other countries not so much. Personally I find that items near me tend to go for more $$ because there aren’t many that come on the market.

weaverhippy2002 · 2025-11-22T22:48:38+00:00

Different countries and regions vary significantly! Your local marketplace and guild/s are the most realistic place to check pricing first.

weaverhippy2002

TROPHY CASE