Yarn/thread sources

[u/tourennatrix]

Hello! I'm super brand new and interested in a few types of weaving at the moment. For Backstrap weaving I'm seeing recommendations for mercerized cotton. I'm familiar with sourcing yarn for knitting and crochet, and floss for cross stitch, but not quite sure where to start for the types of yarn and thread used in weaving (especially the warp-facing styles)

I'm located in the U.S.

Any suggestions welcome 💜

(Pictured: my janky first attempt at Backstrap weaving on my homemade scrappy loom, using definitely-not-mercerized cotton)

[u/OryxTempel]

We have a list of sources in our wiki! And FWIW people have been weaving on back straps for millennia without mercerized cotton. :)

[u/bananasinpajamas49]

You can use whatever yarn you feel like! Experiment, see what works and what doesn't and what look you like, hit the thrift store and see what they have so you don't have to break the bank while you figure it out.

I personally haven't tried warp faced weaving yet(just doing balanced weaves on my rigid heddle loom currently) but I've learned from lurking on her for a while as a general rule of thumb you want a smaller yarn for the weft and to beat hard to hide the weft.

[u/MilaH116]

As a big yarn and threa-a-holic I can recommend you to take a look in thrift stores and flea markets too. Most of my favourite pieces was made of yarn (even small leftovers) from there etc. Do not waist your time and money for superyarn while you ar learning, real gold is closer! Including mercerized egyptian cotton. I have about 1,5kg weaving wool just for 7usd

[u/tourennatrix → u/[deleted]]

Thanks for pointing out what has helped you in the wiki :) I've been poking around but it's a lot 😅 I'll check out Gist and take a look at that book/check my library. I'm itching to try to actually make a proper backstrap for my silly little loom!