Tie-up

nounStandard termTextiles

The specific physical connection between the treadles and the harnesses on a floor loom.

In weaving, this refers to the configuration of cords or chains linking the foot pedals (treadles) to the shafts (harnesses). By pressing one treadle, the weaver raises or lowers a specific combination of shafts to create the shed. The tie-up dictates the structural pattern of the woven cloth, working in tandem with the threading and treadling sequence.

Heard on the job

I need to crawl under the loom and change the tie-up for a broken twill draft.

Insider tip

Always double-check your tie-up draft before throwing the first pick, as one misplaced cord will ruin the entire pattern structure.