You can clearly see how spring-y this yarn is – it doesn’t want to lie nice and tidy on the bobbins but leaps off at every opportunity.
It’s especially difficult when it’s being doubled (click on the doubling stand tag to the right) as each end can spring off in different directions.
So the first strategy in dealing with this yarn is to hold it close to the bobbin as it is being wound on. That way the placement of the yarn onto the bobbin can be better controlled. My fingers are no more than 2″ away from the bobbin during winding, more usually 1″.
Secondly, fill the bobbin only equal to the height of the flanges. There are two reasons for this – a) linen is dense and filling the bobbin any fuller makes the drag on the weft too heavy and b) keeping the yarn filled to a low profile makes it easier to weave. Since it wants to spring off at every opportunity, any higher and the snarls and tangles around the spindle in the shuttle just increase proprotionately. (Ask how I know!)
Third, when inserting the bobbin into the shuttle make sure that both threads are coming off the bobbin equally. It is common for one of the threads to spring off the bobbin 3 turns while the other one springs off 4 or 5 turns. So take the time when inserting the bobbin to make sure they are coming off together.
I think I’ve just finished towel #4 – or is it 5? Whatever, progress is being made and it’s time to think about the next warp. Will I have the patience to do another warp using this yarn as weft? Hmmmmmm…a break using something friendlier may be in order. :^)