Handmade Garter Ties version 1

**brewerpaul** · 10th February 12, 06:01 PM

This whole project started as I found I had 3 pairs of flashes that match certain kilts and didnt want to buy garter ties that were too small. Seems 34 inches is the standard length for garter ties for kilt hose or hunting socks and I have a 17 inch calf that requires at least 43 inches of tie. I wear both type of socks with my kilts and breeks. To solve the issue I decided to look into ways to make my own. Learning to knit may be a project down the line so weaving seemed a better and easier option. In my research I came across the Inkle loom and the items you can make. Inkle looms are great for making straps, belts, bands and other narrow to 6 inch wide items. It is one of the older types of looms around. Looking at a few I was considering purchasing I then decided to make my own. What follows are photos of the garter ties I made and the loom I made and used.

Large inkle loom that will handle 3-4 yards of warp and 6+ inches of weft.

Weaving the garter ties, 1inch wide. A bit wide but the first set I made was too narrow. Next set Ill get the warp count to about 25.

Finished product. 45 inches long using the three colors of yarn to finish the ends. I left the yarn ends long and so far like it. Other option is to cut them shorter and separate the threads making it fluffed. Personally I dont mind the longer yarn length.

Garter ties with charcoal kilt hose and my Saffron kilt. The shoes are a new pair of Dockers semi wingtip in nubuck leather, a very nice casual brogue.

Close up of the ties. Colors and designs are unlimited including Celtic knot designs. These are a wool acrylic blend and have very little stretch when tied.

Comments please, I plan to make lots more of these with a variety of colors and weave designs. Makes for fun evening projects.

**sydnie7** · 10th February 12, 06:03 PM

We've talked about loomed garters here before and the lack of stretch seems to be the issue. Your colors are great and the pattern ideas unlimited (not to mention, who makes their own loom for heaven's sake!) but how comfortable are they?

**Calico** · 10th February 12, 06:06 PM

I'm very impressed, with both the loom and your finished product!

Of course your WIP photos make it look so easy. How hard is it to put in a small pattern like that? How do you change threads (yarn colors)?

Well done indeed.

**Aspiringloser** · 10th February 12, 06:07 PM

That looks awesome. Is it hard to do?

**brewerpaul** · 10th February 12, 06:18 PM

Originally Posted by sydnie7

We've talked about loomed garters here before and the lack of stretch seems to be the issue. Your colors are great and the pattern ideas unlimited (not to mention, who makes their own loom for heaven's sake!) but how comfortable are they?

Being 1 inch wide I find them very comfortable. Velcro and elastic flashes always feel like the want to slip. The smallest width Ill make on these is 3/4 inch. I can tie them as tight as needed without losing circulation

**brewerpaul** · 10th February 12, 06:19 PM

Originally Posted by Aspiringloser

That looks awesome. Is it hard to do?

Not hard at all to do. Basic weave patterns are very easy, the more elaborate will require a bit of work on my part.

**brewerpaul** · 10th February 12, 06:27 PM

Originally Posted by Calico

I'm very impressed, with both the loom and your finished product!

Of course your WIP photos make it look so easy. How hard is it to put in a small pattern like that? How do you change threads (yarn colors)?

Well done indeed.

This is the simplest of looms around. It uses warp and weft like a large loom but has one one set of threads in heddles(the white string loops on the loom). The other part of the warp is brought up or down for the weft to be run through. You set up the design as you string the warp. Here is a little video about using a Inkle.

http://www.schachtspindle.com/videos...le-weaving.php

This link is to a short course on using an Inkle

http://the-loom-merchant.com/default.aspx