Studio YUPANQUI

Column Q & A

Thinking about click ⌄ to see more.

Today, it is very popular to enjoy some easy handicrafts according to recipes/manual instructions. Yes, we like making pretty, tiny things easily. But I suppose, there would be others who want to study more, not only following similar samples but also looking for their proper impressive style with each experimental works.

Then I have a suggestion. How about to practice of asking questions ourselves, when interested in something or working by hands? To observe what happens is very important for proceeding a new discovery. If we continue to seek any reasons, we could find a certain valuable meaning in it and enjoy our creative ideas. That is why I started this column.

001. Amazing manipulation and warping

１) Warping on the frame

２) Working in the first row

３) Working in the second row

４) In case of a

rubber band....

５) The stitches appear at both ends at the same time.

(６) Simple Interlinking

７) YouTube: Interlinking

Questions: click ⌄ to see more.

  • Q-1. Why do the stitches remain at the both ends at once?

  • Q-2. How to get a fabric by only Warp?

  • Q-3. Why is not necessary the weft in Sprang?

  • Q-4. Why is it stretchable and flexible?

Reasoning : (refer to the numbers of the pictures above)

  • Q-1. Warping in sprang is rather particular. A continuous yarn without cut is needed(１), which becomes looped at both ends. Referring to a rubber band (４), if twisted once at the middle, it appear two stitches at both upper and lower sides at once, with opposite twist-direction. While making more stitches, it goes from the edge to the center accordingly(５). This process is the key.

  • Q-2. After warping on the frame(１), it goes on manipulating of interlinking as (２)~(３). Please note, there are different way between two rows. A pair of threads change alternatively between 3 threads, so, the turns of the threads are cleverly adjusted. The first row(２) shows that the first 2 threads twist with another 1 threads, but the second row (３) shows that the first 1 thread twists with another 1 thread. Obviously it is impossible to make a plane fabric, if the same pair of threads always meet.

  • Q-3. In working, some needle sticks are used to make sure the stitches in rows. When completed one row, a stick at the previous row is no longer needed. Then pulling it off and is used to the next row. That is, the stick functions as a temporary weft in working process, but it does not exist in any actual fabric.

  • Q-4. Look at the diagram of Interlinking(６). You'll understand that two adjoin threads twist every time and compose stitches. There is no weft nor tie up. That is why the fabric is stretchable and flexible.


◎It may be complicated as explanation by words. If you like, please visit YouTube videos(７) and make sure the points concerned.

002. Impressive form in Interlinking


1) Working on the frame

2) Plain example of interlinking

３）Interlinking of varied yarns

４) Detail of (3)

５）Interlinked of varied yarns.

６) Detail of (5)

7) Diagram of Interlacing

８) Examples of Interlacing

Questions: click ⌄ to see more.

  • Q-1. Why does the texture turn curved ?

  • Q-2. Why it becomes shrank or relief ?

  • Q-3. Why does the transformation raise in Interlinking ?

  • Q-4. Why do not have any tufts/fringes?

Reasoning: (refer to the numbers of the pictures above)

  • Q-1, Q-2. While working on the frame in tension(１), the threads keep flat. Now, when completed and released, it is found apparently transformed(２)~(６). Remember again of former Interlinking diagram001-(６). Every stitches are made by twist between 2 threads, of opposite twist-direction in upper and lower sides. It brings accumulation of twist power of counter directions accordingly, so the strength turns the texture curved or shrunk.

  • Q-3. Compared Diagrams between Interlinking 001-(６) and Interlacing002-(７), they have different structures. Interlinking is twisted, and Interlacing is passing and crossing without any turns. In addition, there is no weft to interrupt the warp's nature. These points effect the transformation.

  • Q-4. Please remember again how to make warping and how to go ahead manipulations? Referring to(８), this is an example of interlacing.This is distinguished from general weaving technique. No cut ending of warp makes a fabric without any fringes. Incidentally, Sprang need minimum yarns compared with other textile techniques. That is because it does not exist weft nor leftover fringes.

003. Make a Sprang cap

Questions: click ⌄ to see more.

  • Q-1. How to make a round form?

  • Q-2. Is necessary increasing and decreasing the stitches?

  • Q-3. How to finish the edges?

Reasoning:

  • Q-1. Sprang is very stretchable. In general a rectangular shape is produced, and it is completed at the center. Instead of a stick at the last row(=at the center), pass a thread and pull it to arrange the size as you like. Then sew the both edges, and now you'll get a new sprang bag, or a round cap if inverting it upside down.

  • Q-2. As already see inQ-1, it is not necessary to increase or decrease the stitches, if you don't want to make a so complicated style.

  • Q-3. The borders remain well with no additional work. But of course you'll enjoy some options to make suitable arrangement and decorations, by knitting, crochet, looping, felting etc.

◎More unexpected ideas and any comments are welcome to this page. I sincerely hope to share lots of interesting experiments with you. I appreciate your contact to talleryupanqui@gmail.com