A tapestry is the result of the intersection of two kinds of threads
:
- warp threads stretched on the loom and coming from the roller.
These threads are laid out lengthways (warping).
- the coloured weft threads crossing the warps with the help of
the shuttle.
These weft threads are laid out crossways (weaving).
... and its techniques
Two techniques exist in the manufacture of the tapestries: the "Haute-lisse" and
the "Basse-lisse".
These two techniques are radically
different. However, once the work completed, it is often impossible
to recognize the difference between them.
The Haute-Lisse loom
is composed of two pillars supporting two mobile cylinders (rollers),
the first one placed in the higher part, and the other in the lower
part. Weaving is thus made vertically.
With the Basse-Lisse loom, the warp is stretched on a horizontal
plan, thus weaving is made horizontally.
ABOUT JACQUARD WEAVING
The manufacture of a tapestry can be analysed in four different
stages. In order to guarantee a high quality product, the whole
of the
staff must be intransigent on the quality of the services carried
out. One single mistake can jeopardise the final result of the
tapestry. These are the four stages of the manufacture of the Jacquard
tapestries.
1. Creation : The first work is the creation.
This work consists in the "mise en carte" the detailed drawing of the motif.
Indeed, working from a medieval or contemporary design, the creator
has to transcribe the colours and contours for the weaving. Which
will be possible only after this work of " mise en carte".
2. Warping : Production starts in the warping workshop. It is the
weaving preparation. Thousands of dyed threads are winded on enormous
reels (called rollers). These threads will form the warp of the
tapestry. Thus, the warper arranges the various coloured threads,
side by side, in a set order.
Surrounded by a multitude of reels, the first foreman, whose eye
is riveted on his machine, knows each thread and allots it to its
place according to the motif. It is a work of patience on which
depends the result of the tapestry.
3. Weaving : The tapestry is the result of the intersection (or
interlacing) of two kinds of threads :
- warp threads laid out lengthways (warping)
- weft threads laid out crossways (weaving)
All our tapestries are weaving in France on Jacquard looms...
Looms Jacquard weaving : The weaver is tending the looms, in order
to locate the possible defects. The warp and the weft will interlace
each other, and the design will take life.
4. Finition : All the tapestries offered
on this site are finished according to your requirements. The tapestries
are finished, ready to be
hanged on your wall.
- Most of our tapestries have an added border which is woven independently.
This finition brings a decorative aspect which emphasizes the panel.
- All the tapestries are lined with a beautiful cotton fabric.
- An hanging system is put on the tapestry's back. Two means of
hanging are systematically put on each tapestry: eyelets and a
rod-pocket.
