to pass the woof
threads entirely around the _rods and strings_ to insure straight edges.
The ends of wool warp threads should be wound in and out of the notches
to the right and left of rods, to fasten them until the weaving is
finished. It sometimes happens that little children, and more especially
those who are blind, pull up the warp strings when near the end of the
work. In such cases it is a good plan to pass a rubber band _over_ the
warp strings at the top of the loom and _behind_ the bars, back of the
head piece, making it set up close by putting it around one tooth at
each end. In this way the warp strings cannot possibly slip out of the
notches.

[Sidenote: _Splicing with a weaver's knot_]

[Sidenote: _A raffia warp_]

Some teachers splice the warp with a weaver's knot, an illustration of
which can be seen in any large dictionary. The continuous string is to
be preferred, however, as experience has proved that even a weaver's
knot will sometimes fail to stand the stress of weaving. It is very
difficult to splice a warp of raffia. It is better to knot the warp
threads in pairs (see directions, page 46), leaving two or three inches
beyond the head and foot. These ends may be used for a fringe by tearing
very fine, or they may be run down in the woven part with a darning
needle, as rattan is run down in basket work.

[Sidenote: _To fasten wool or silk warp strings_]

[Sidenote: _When the warp is correct_]

When the weaving is done and the mat lifted from the loom, the ends of
the wool warp strings can be run in along the sides with a tape needle.
If the warp be of twine, it is better to tie the end to the next warp
string and allow the fringe to cover the knot; or, as in the case of
silkoline, the woof strips can be caught over the warp strings with silk
of the same color in order to hide them. Only experience can teach the
tightness with which a warp should be strung. Worsted, carpet thread and
twine will stretch as the work progresses, and raffia will not. If the
warp be too loose the work will be uneven and the strings will slip out
of the notches. If it be too tight it will be difficult to finish the
last two or three inches and the woof threads will look crowded. The
best test is to place the hand upon the warp before commencing to weave.
If it feels firm and does not push down too easily, but springs
slightly beneath the hand, it is probably correct.

[Sidenote: _To string a warp for fringe_]

[S