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Reed Sleying Pattern Calculator

Enter the ends per inch you want and the dents per inch of your reed. The page finds the shortest repeating pattern of ends per dent that gives that density, or the nearest one if none is exact.

Sley over 5 dents, then repeat

1 · 1 · 1 · 1 · 2

6 ends per repeat · 12 ends per inch (exact)

The pattern sets how many ends go in each dent of one repeat; 0 is an empty dent. You may place the heavier dents where your cloth needs them.

How it works

  1. Enter the ends per inch you want to weave.
  2. Enter the dents per inch of your reed.
  3. Read the pattern (for example 1, 1, 1, 1, 2), the density it gives and the difference from your target.
  4. Optionally enter a width to see how many ends and dents it covers, then copy the pattern.

What people use it for

  • A reed that does not match the sett

    Weave 12 ends per inch in a 10-dent reed: the page gives four dents with one end and one with two.

  • Choosing between two reeds

    Compare the pattern and the error of two reeds for the same density.

  • Checking a threading plan

    Verify the density of a sleying pattern you were given.

Questions

How is the pattern found?
The ratio of ends per inch to dents per inch is written as a fraction p over q with q up to 16 dents and at most 4 ends per dent. The p ends are spread over the q dents as evenly as possible. Among the fractions, the one with the smallest error is kept, and the shortest if several are equal.
What does 0 in the pattern mean?
An empty dent: the reed is finer than the density you want, so some dents stay unused. The page shows it but does not tell you whether it suits your cloth.
Is the order of the pattern fixed?
No. The ends are spread evenly, but you may place the heavier dents where your cloth needs them. The count per repeat is what sets the density. Very uneven dents can leave faint stripes in the cloth, so weave a sample first.
Does it say which reed to buy?
No. It only shows what a given reed gives. The right choice depends on your yarn and your cloth, which you know better than a formula.