(114) Plaited Twills: The Double Two-Tie Connection

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Plaited twills are patterns in which sets of parallel diagonal twill lines intersect with sets of lines going in the opposite direction so they appear like interwoven ribbons. On a straight twill threading, they require more than 8 or 12 shafts for all but the simplest designs.

However, when plaited twills are woven on a double two-tie twill threading, the design possibilities on fewer shafts expand dramatically. This workshop explains how to weave plaited twills on a double two-tie twill threading, how to design those plaited twill patterns and how careful material choices open the door to vastly different designs from the same warp when woven as turned supplementary weft weaves.

Instructor will provide: warping instructions/drafts sent in advance via email; digital handouts sent 10 days in advance for participants to print as needed with weaving instructions, paper-pencil exercises, and a resources list.

Instructor:

Karen Donde

Experience Level:

Intermediate

Maximum Class Size:

16

Equipment required

8-shaft Loom, Pre-warped

Student Supplies:

  • Pre-warped 8-shaft loom, minimum width 10 inches. A few 10 and 12-shaft drafts are available on request.
  • Reed: 10 dent (8 or 12 works.)
  • Yarn: 5/2 cotton or similar, about 820 yds. each of two contrasting colors.
  • One shuttle with a few bobbins or pirns.
  • Bobbin winder (may be shared.)
  • Graph paper – 3 sheets, 4 or 5 squares/inch.
  • 1 or 2 colored pencils.
  • Small ruler.
  • Pencil & eraser.
  • Usual weaving supplies & gadgets (scissors, broken-warp weights, pins, measuring tape, hooks, etc.)

Homework:

  • Warp a loom according to draft provided
  • Print handouts required for workshop