I wove a sample that consists of 1/2 a pattern repeat (192 picks) – 96 picks with a weft of 16/2 mercerised cotton (black), and 96 picks with a weft of 20/2 silk (black). I left long tails of each so that I can tell which end is which.

When weaving Warp 32, I found that it is VERY easy to beat too hard on this pattern. So this time, I paid very close attention to the beating. I found that the most consistent beat was obtained by opening a shed, throwing the shuttle, closing the shed, gently bringing the beater forward to GENTLY press the weft onto the fall of the cloth and opening the next shed. If I did my normal process of open shed, throw the shuttle, beat and change shed, the weft moved too far on the open shed.

Once I had hemstitched the piece, I left a small gap and wove a 2-stick header in 16/2 black cotton and wet finished the sample (handwash in cold water, trim loose ends, press with iron on silk setting and leave to dry).

I compared this sample with a small piece from Warp 32. I decided that I definitely prefer the beating on this new sample (see 2nd image below).

The cotton and silk wefts in this sample are slightly different. The cotton is ever so slightly harder to the touch and is also blacker than the silk – the silk looks a little grey-er (see 2nd image below – cotton weft at the top, silk below). The silk weft on silk warp has also resulted in a fabric with a little more sheen to it. Both yarns have woven up nicely.