Weaving in Leaded Glass

"Weaving" is only easily and fully done where there is a grid. The example below shows a restoration project where the main part of the panel is a grid.

This image shows the starting of the weaving. A short lead covering only one quarry has been placed horizontally - although you can start with a short vertical, both are fine. The next lead is vertical and covers two of the quarries. As you can see here the two quarries at the right are ready for the longer horizontal to be placed.




You proceed in this fashion - alternating long and short leads throughout the grid area.

As you can see this builds up in a diagonal fashion with each vertical and horizontal line being interrupted after every second piece of glass.

If you look closely you can also see that these leads are being tucked. This is easier with leads of 7mm and greater than of 6mm and less.

This method of leading gets its name from the similarity to representations of weaving in illustrations where a broken line represents the thread or reed going under another. Its purpose is to avoid hinges and so strengthen the whole panel. This avoidance of hinges makes the turning of the panel during soldering and cementing much easier.

Of course, you must remember that the glass is the strongest part of the panel.