Placemats on a Rigid Heddle Loom
Easy Placemats on a Rigid Heddle Loom: A Quick and Stylish Project
After moving to a new home, I found myself inspired to create some handwoven accessories that would add a personal touch to my space. What better way to use up my existing yarn stash than by weaving placemats? Placemats are small, functional pieces that weave up quickly, making them an ideal project for both beginners and experienced weavers. Best of all, with a simple hemstitch at the beginning and end, no sewing is required!
Let’s dive into the process of weaving some beautiful shades-of-green placemats. (You can find a link to my YouTube tutorial video below for a step-by-step visual guide.)
Materials and Setup
For this project, I chose four complementary shades of 8/2 cotton yarn from Great Northern Weaving:
Pear, Jade, Light Sage, and Duck Green. These colors blend beautifully together, creating a fresh and calming aesthetic that’s perfect for any dining table.
I used a 12.5 dent heddle on my rigid heddle loom and decided to warp double strands in each slot and hole. This method not only gives the placemats a slightly thicker, more substantial feel but also speeds up the warping process since you don’t have to go back and thread the heddle holes after warping.
To create the weaving draft, I used the weaving draft program from "Not So Rigid Weaver." The pattern incorporates a pickup stick technique in the green-colored sections, which adds texture and visual interest to the placemats.
Weaving Pattern
Here’s the simple yet effective weaving pattern I followed:
- Heddle Up
- Heddle Down
- Heddle Neutral with Pickup Stick
Repeat these steps to create a balanced and cohesive pattern throughout your placemats. The pickup stick technique is used to alternate the warp threads, adding a subtle texture that enhances the overall design.
Weaving the Placemats
To create four placemats, I warped the loom with 90 inches of warp. On the loom, the warp measures approximately 14 inches wide. Each placemat was woven to a length of 16 inches, with a 1-inch fringe on each end.
After weaving, I removed the placemats from the loom and finished them with a quick wash to set the weave and remove any stiffness. The finished placemats measured roughly 12 inches by 15 inches, making them the perfect size for everyday use.
Why You Should Try This Project
These green placemats are a fantastic way to add a handmade touch to your dining table while making the most of your yarn stash. The simple weaving pattern is easy to follow, and the project can be completed in just a few hours. Plus, the color possibilities are endless—mix and match your yarn stash to create placemats that suit your style and home décor.
I hope you’ll give these placemats a try! They’re a satisfying and rewarding project, perfect for gifting or keeping for yourself.
Happy weaving!
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