Weaving Clasped Weft Triangles

 

Weaving a Table Runner with the Clasped Weft Technique on a Rigid Heddle Loom

Weaving can be a deeply satisfying craft, allowing you to create beautiful and functional items with your own hands. One of the more interesting techniques to explore on a rigid heddle loom is the clasped weft technique. This method allows for striking geometric patterns and color variations that can add a unique flair to your projects. In this blog post, I'll walk you through the process of weaving a table runner using the clasped weft technique.

Materials Needed:

• Rigid Heddle Loom: Any size will do, but a loom with at least a 16-inch weaving width is ideal for a table runner.
• Yarn: You’ll need two contrasting colors of yarn for the clasped weft. Choose a sturdy cotton or wool that is appropriate for weaving.
• Shuttle:  stick shuttle.
• Measuring Tape: To ensure consistent length and width.
• Scissors: For cutting yarn.
• Tapestry Needle: For weaving in the ends and hemstitching at beginning and end.

Setting Up the Loom

1. Warping: Begin by warping your loom as usual. For this project, I chose a plain white cotton warp to serve as a neutral background for the colorful clasped weft design. Warp the loom to the desired length and width of your table runner, I warped 9 inches.

2. Preparing the Weft: For the clasped weft, you’ll need two shuttles, each wound with a different color of yarn. In this project, I used a hand spun chunky navy blue yarn as an accent color and a burnt orange hand dyed yarn.

    Video of weaving available on Youtube 

Weaving with the Clasped Weft Technique

1. Starting the Weaving: Begin with a few rows of plain weave to establish the foundation. This will also give you a stable base for starting the clasped weft pattern.

2. Clasped Weft Process:

• Step 1: Pass one shuttle (with color A, white) through the shed and stop midway.
• Step 2: Take the second shuttle (with color B, burnt orange) and bring it into the shed from the opposite side. Bring it around the first shuttle’s yarn, clasping the two colors together.
• Step 3: Pull both shuttles to their respective sides. The clasped section of the weft will form a V shape, with the point of the V determined by how much you pull each shuttle. This creates a distinctive, sharp-edged triangle in the fabric.
• Step 4: Beat the yarn into place with the heddle, ensuring the clasped weft is snug but not too tight.
• Step 5: Repeat this process, alternating the direction of the clasped weft to create a zigzag or chevron pattern.

• Weaving a Table Runner with the Clasped Weft Technique on a Rigid Heddle Loom

  Weaving can be a deeply satisfying craft, allowing you to create beautiful and functional items with your own hands. One of the more interesting techniques to explore on a rigid heddle loom is the clasped weft technique. This method allows for striking geometric patterns and color variations that can add a unique flair to your projects. In this blog post, I'll walk you through the process of weaving a table runner using the clasped weft technique.

  Materials Needed:

  • Rigid Heddle Loom: Any size will do, but a loom with at least a 16-inch weaving width is ideal for a table runner.
  • Yarn: You’ll need two contrasting colors of yarn for the clasped weft. Choose a sturdy cotton or wool that is appropriate for weaving.
  • Shuttle: A boat shuttle works well, but you can also use a stick shuttle.
  • Measuring Tape: To ensure consistent length and width.
  • Scissors: For cutting yarn.
  • Tapestry Needle: For weaving in the ends.

  Setting Up the Loom

  1. Warping: Begin by warping your loom as usual. For this project, I chose a plain white cotton warp to serve as a neutral background for the colorful clasped weft design. Warp the loom to the desired length and width of your table runner, taking into account any shrinkage that may occur after washing.

  2. Preparing the Weft: For the clasped weft, you’ll need two shuttles, each wound with a different color of yarn. In this project, I used navy blue and a burnt orange color to create a contrast that pops against the white warp.

  Weaving with the Clasped Weft Technique

  1. Starting the Weaving: Begin by weaving a few rows and securing with a hemstitch. Next, weave a few rows of plain weave to establish the foundation. This will also give you a stable base for starting the clasped weft pattern.

  2. Clasped Weft Process:

     • Step 1: Pass one shuttle (with color A, say navy blue) through the shed and stop midway.
     • Step 2: Take the second shuttle (with color B, burnt orange) and bring it into the shed from the opposite side. Bring it around the first shuttle’s yarn, clasping the two colors together.
     • Step 3: Pull both shuttles to their respective sides. The clasped section of the weft will form a V shape, with the point of the V determined by how much you pull each shuttle. This creates a distinctive, sharp-edged triangle in the fabric.
     • Step 4: Beat the yarn into place with the heddle, ensuring the clasped weft is snug but not too tight.
     • Step 5: Repeat this process, alternating the direction of the clasped weft to create a zigzag or chevron pattern.
     • Step 6: After weaving 5 rows, weave one row in your accent color (color C, navy). Continue weaving 5 rows clasped weft, and one row accent color.

  3. Creating the Pattern: In the table runner shown in the image, I alternated between larger and smaller triangles, creating a dynamic and visually engaging pattern. You can vary the length of each clasp to create different sizes and shapes, adding variety to the design.

  Finishing the Runner

  1. Weaving the Final Rows: Once you’ve reached the desired length, finish the runner with a few rows of plain weave, mirroring the beginning rows, and a row of hemstitching. This will help stabilize the fabric.

  2. Cutting and Finishing: Carefully cut the runner off the loom, leaving enough warp at the ends to create a fringe if desired. I left a 3 inch fringe on each end.

  3. Wet Finishing: Soak the runner in lukewarm water to set the weave and remove any remaining stiffness. Gently press out the water and lay flat to dry.

  4. Final Touches: Once dry, you can trim the fringe or hem the edges to give a clean finish. Lightly press the runner with an iron if needed.

  The clasped weft technique offers endless possibilities for creativity on a rigid heddle loom. By playing with color, pattern, and the length of the clasp, you can create a table runner that is truly one-of-a-kind. Whether you’re new to weaving or an experienced weaver looking to try something new, the clasped weft is a rewarding technique that adds depth and interest to your projects.

  Happy weaving