yarnworker

Yarnworker's Summer 2020 weave-along has concluded. Thanks to all for weaving along! 

You are welcome to register for a small fee, review all the material, and see the questions that have been asked and answered, although I won't be answering any new questions.

Please join us for a future weave-along. They are free while active and always free for patrons of the Yarnworker School who have access to a private forum for ongoing questions.

Here is more information about this weave-along. 

Rugs are an endlessly fascinating format for weavers. As we have explored in two previous weave-alongs, a wide variety of rugs can be woven on a rigid-heddle loom. During the Summer 2020 weave-along, we are going to shrink the scale of a traditional floor rug to create a mini-rug—larger than a mug rug, but smaller than a runner or placemat—to explore weft-faced colorwork.

By alternating light and dark colors, similar to Color-and-Weave, you can create a number of patterns. In the Western European tradition it is called Pick-and-Pick. You can see similar colorwork in weaving techniques throughout the world. What makes each tradition unique are the materials, colors, format, additional design elements, and cultural meanings of the designs.

Weft-faced fabrics are created when the weft entirely covers the warp. This creates a dense, sturdy weave structure often used in rugs. These fabrics are woven on an open sett and the weft is packed firmly so all you see are the weft yarns. This is one of the few weaves where using a strong beat is a good thing! You can compact the weft so it covers the warp by just using the rigid heddle, or use a tapestry beater or fork to pack the weft further. The harder you pack the weft, the clearer the colors and denser the fabric.

Although we are weaving a mini version, I’ll talk about how to scale these beauties up to weave a full-sized rug.

Here is the who, what, when, and where info to date:

Who

This weave-along is appropriate for just-beyond-beginner weaver. I assume you have already woven a few projects. have a basic understanding of the direct warping process and weaving terminology. and are ready for an adventure.

What

We will weave two small 7 x 9-inch mini rugs that will allow you to explore six different weft-faced colorwork elements and ways you can combine them to create an endless number of layouts. We will also explore a couple of finishing technique from quick and easy to more a more elaborate fringeless finish.

You can use these little beauties as mouse pads; round-up spaces for notions, keys, remotes, and various devices; under plants, as trivets and table toppers; to create a gathering place for special objects; or simply to enjoy or give as gifts.

Equipment

Yarn

Rug yarns, warp and weft, are somewhat specialized, although don’t let that intimidate you. Rugs can be made from a wide variety of materials, but rugs that last and lay flat benefit from good materials. At this scale, you can certainly be experimental. In general, you want a warp yarn that has a good amount of twist and is strong. The weft should be firm; soft or highly elastic yarns are harder to pack evenly.

Spinners and specialty fiber buyers, if you are participating in the Livestock Conservancy’s Shave ‘Em to Save ‘Em, there are a number of wools highlighted in this program that you can use in this project. Among them, but not limited to. are Leicester Longwool, Lincoln, Navajo-Churro, Jacob, and Karakul. Let’s celebrate the sturdy, strong, sleek wools!

These are the yarns I’m using: