Wire Wefts

Wire wefts -

Fig. 56

Fig 57.

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Fig. 58

The process starts with creating a template using cling film and marker pen. A good way is to use a paper cup as shown although this will depend on the size that you would want your wire weft to be. A secondary circle is then drawn and then a smaller circle in the middle. Petal shapes are then drawn inside these circles - as shown in the first picture. Pattern is then placed on a malleable block and string is used to follow the pattern (starting from the middle and working outwards) - pinning as you go. The length of the string will give the overall length of weft that you require. The length of the outer circle needs to be marked/measured on the string too to give 2 measurements - 1) the length of the outside circle 2) the overall length of weaving

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Fig. 61

It is important to keep the wire as straight as possible, if the wire becomes uneven then you can use pliers to straighten it up.

1) 30 - 40 cms extra length is added to the silk and wire. The measured length of silk is set up on the top and bottom of the weaving pole - silks are coated in bees wax. Using the piece of paper (as seen in the picture) helps to tighten he silks around the weaving pole.

2) Take the two silks and tie the silks together by making two knots 2 - 3 cms apart.

3) Hook the silks over the nail between the knots and tighten the frame.

4) Remember to add 30 - 40 cms extra in length of wire. Wrap this around the middle notch of weaving pole in the same direction of the silks. - wrap around the nail on the weaving pole.
5) Place hairs into the hair mat. Start with a starting knot, use the flat weft (also known as Once in weaving) for the outside circle of the weft
6) Weave the rest using the 'Wig Weft'

7) Finish with a Finishing Knot.

A demonstration of the wefting

Fig 62.

Fig. 63.

It took me quite a few attempts to get the hang of this, as I kept losing grip of the hairs and not securing the hair properly. I eventually got the hang of it and started to quite enjoy it.

Fig 64.

Fig. 64.1.
This is my sample of the weaving process for making a wire weft.