n on p. 291, might be used for
the purpose. It would be made use of also if by chance the warp-thread
were broken, for it is a knot specially good for the purpose.

When the coats are completed there are still one or two preparations to
be made before actually commencing to weave. Either a metal rod or a
long narrow piece of wood must now be threaded in and out of the
warp-strings and placed in position at the base. This rod can be seen
properly placed in position in fig. 179 in front of the lower cylinder.
This is put there to keep the lines of the woof horizontal when they are
being beaten down by the comb.

Next wind on a bobbin some warp-thread similar to that already on the
loom, or, if that happens to be very coarse, let this be a little finer.
Now weave two courses with this warp-thread and beat it down with the
comb, leaving the woof during the process rather loose. The technique of
weaving with all its difficulties is discussed in Chapter XVIII. When
two of the warp-thread courses are complete, insert either the pointed
end of the bobbin or a blunt needle between the warp-threads below the
woven portion, and if necessary move the warp-strings a little to or fro
until they are equally separated each from the other all along the line.
Next weave about four more courses of the woof; these will serve to keep
the arranged warp-threads still more firmly in place. Then with a red
pencil rule a horizontal line straight across the warp-strings about
one-third of an inch above the woven portion. Wind on another bobbin
some wool and weave it to and fro until the space between the woven
portion and the red line is filled in. Between each course the comb must
beat the woof-threads firmly down. It is often necessary to weave over
some portions of the surface more than over others as the threads pack
down tighter in some parts. The loom should be now in perfect order for
commencing work. The preparatory weaving that has been done is often
useful afterwards as a selvedge.

It is necessary to have a coloured drawing of the design for frequent
reference whilst the work is in progress; also a tracing of the outline
must be marked upon the warp-threads for the worker's further guidance.
The tracing upon the threads must be a reflection of the pattern owing
to the fact that the work is done from the back. It does not affect the
matter if the design is a symmetrical one, but to find the lions of
England facing the wrong way in som