Fabric Inspiration - Twill Clasped Weft Pillow Fabric
The weaving technique clasped weft is simple with dramatic effects. Two weft yarn colors interlock and double back on themselves in each pick, lending a tapestry-like appearance to the weave.
Generally, clasped weft is woven in plain weave, but for this project, we tried 1/3 twill for a more textural look. I paired the clasped weft twill with alternating stripes of plain weave in carpet warp so that the dimensional quality of the clasped weft twill would be emphasized by the flatness of the plain weave. As in any aspect of art and design, contrast is a great asset for refining composition.
When I am working on a new project, I focus on finding the balance between action space and resting space. This balance is often found through contrast. One of the reasons to strive for this, is that it helps the viewer's eye to move through the cloth instead of being visually overloaded or getting stuck in a static area. Try out this project or tell us how you create contrast and balance in your weaving!
Project Specs
Weave structure: straight draw twill, plain weave
Finished size: one 15" x 15" clasped weft pillow front, one 15" x 15" plain weave back
Warp length: 3 yds
Number of warp ends: 170
Width in reed: 17"
EPI: 10
What You'll Need
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Warp—1 tube carpet warp (Navy Blue)
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Weft—1 skein each Lamb’s Pride Yarn in Sable, Jaded Lagoon, Warm Carmel; and 1 tube carpet warp (Black)
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4-shaft loom with at least 17” weaving width
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10 dent reed
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boat shuttle and bobbins
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sewing machine for finishing pillow
Materials
Equipment
Directions
Warping: The threading for this project is a straight draw.
Weaving
Weave Back. Begin with 17” of plain weave Lamb’s Pride Warm Carmel yarn.
Weave Front. Weave 1” of plain weave with black carpet warp for hem or zipper.
Weave Front Continued. For the next section, use the twill treadling 1,2,3,4,3,2, repeat. Use clasped weft to create an interlocking color change.
Weave 5 picks of plain weave with the black cotton carpet warp.
Continue to alternate between twill clasped weft with wool yarn and sections of 5 carpet warp picks until you have 17”. Finish with 1” of black carpet warp.
Remove from loom and secure ends. Wash in room temperature water with a drop of soap. Dry flat. Hand or machine sew sides, insert pillow form and sew the top closed.