We have twice explored doublewidth doubleweave using two heddles, but we have yet to explore tubular doubleweave. This variation allows you to connect both selvedges to form a tube and create flaps right on the loom. If you have yet to try using double heddles, this small project is a great introduction. It works up relatively quickly and allows us to slip in a new project before the holiday season begins in earnest. If you only have one heddle, you can join us and weave a longer piece of fabric and I’ll throw in some options for seaming.
This is also our first bag. In addition to the braided strap shown here, I’ll demonstrate a warp-faced tubular weave that utilizes a very narrow warp and creates a strap similar to I-cord made by knitters. This is a technique used by many inkle weavers. (If you have a copy of Weaving Made Easy, check out page 75.)
Here is the who, what, when, and where info to date:
Who
This weave-along is appropriate for advanced beginner weaver looking. 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 a small 6 x 8 inch bag with a 3.5 inch flap and a fringed or fringeless finish. I’ll also offer a single heddle option. The single heddle option is not double cloth, but rather pain weave seamed together. Either project could easily be adapted to a tablet or phone sleeve. The pattern is free for Patrons of the School and offered for a small fee for non-patrons. There is no charge for the weave-along itself. Pattern sales go to support the school and future weave-alongs.
EQUIPMENT
A rigid-heddle loom with at least an 8″ (20.5 cm) weaving width and a double heddle block*, two 8 or 7.5 dent heddles, two stick shuttles, and two 10” pick-up sticks. Optional: belt shuttle for tubular woven bag.
*I’ll share a couple of tips for hacking your loom to accommodate two heddles if you loom doesn’t have a double heddle block. I can’t guarantee it will work on all loom types, but it can give you some ideas on how to give it a try. This project is really small so it is a good way to test out the capacity of your loom.
YARN
You will need about 175 yds of warp. Optimally, the warp should be smooth, well-plied, cellulose or rayon yarn. Doubleweave is a really dense warp and sticky warps are a bummer. The yarn I’m using has long color repeats that create a self-striping warp.
You need about 75 yds of weft. The weft materials can be any coordinating yarn in a similar size.
The project is shown in:
Warp: Ty-Dy from Knit One, Crochet Too; 196 yd/3 oz (100 g) ball; 100% cotton, worsted weight; 896 yd/lb; shown in Magenta Moss (#547).
Weft: Second Time Cotton from Knit One, Crochet Too; 180 yd/3. oz (100 g) ball; 75% cotton, 25% acrylic, worsted weight; 823 yd/lb; shown in Brick (#478). (Note the plain weave version will only use the Ty-Dy yarn.)
Optional: 3 yds leather or faux suede cord. You can find this among the beading supplies in the craft aisle of many big box stores or online. Here is an example.
This project can be adapted to a number of setts. You will want to adjust your yarn size to sett for a balanced plain weave of a single heddle. For instance, if you have two 10-dent rigid-heddles, you want to find a smooth, well-plied yarn that would have a balanced plain weave sett of 10. There will be a two week registration period that will give you an option to talk about project modification and yarn selection.
When
Registration gets underway October 21. Hop on the Yarnworker mailing list to be emailed the link directly when it is ready. Patrons will always get notifications first.
Schedule
October 21: Registration link available, welcome information, tips on selecting yarns and modifying the pattern.
November 4: Warp
November 11: Weave
November 18: Finish
November 25: Share!
Where
I host the weave-alongs at the Yarnworker School of Weaving, a community-funded, virtual classroom for rigid-heddle weavers. They are free until 30 days after the conclusion of the weave-along. For more information about the Yarnworker Weave-Alongs and School, check out this FAQ.
A big shout out to all the Patrons who keep these weave-alongs going. Patron producers get a vote in what we weave next.
Heddles Up!
Liz
