Weaving Books

A Weaver's Garden - $17.00
Rita Buchanan. Valuable hints from a veteran botanist and weaver on dyeing fibers and fabrics, what soap plants to use for cleaning textiles, advice on fragrant plants to scent and protect fabrics, plant materials to use as tools, suggestions for planning and creating a garden featuring cotton, flax, indigo, and much more. Includes an abundance of illustrations. 240pp. Pb.

An Introduction to Weaving: The Four-Shaft Table Loom - $10.00
Anne Field. Now "Out Of Print", this is a classic mannual for learning about weaving real fabric on a simple, small-space four-shaft table loom. There are even construction plans for a quality four-shaft table loom. Anne Field has written this book with special attention to those who have no access to classes, and her clear step-by-step instructions guide the beginner through the weaving process. Contents include: yarns, planning a warp, warping the loom, weaving and pattern drafting, and descriptions of the techniques of weaving balanced weaves, twills, weaver-controlled weaves, weft-faced weaves, overshot weaves and many more. 184pp. Pb.

The Ashford Book of Projects For The Eight Shaft Loom - $14.00
Elsa Krogh. This book contains a variety of techniques from twill variations in the Scandinavian tradition to multishaft summer-&-winter and modern backed weaves. Both the new and experienced weaver on the eight shaft loom will find inspiration and challenges in this collection of placemats, towels, shawls, wall hangings and suit material. 39pp. Pb.

The Ashford Book of Projects: Volume 1 - $16.00
24 Fashion Projects Using the Ashford Knitters Loom. Weave beautiful fabrics and create your own fashion garments. With your Ashford Knitters or Rigid Heddle looms we will show you how to make fabulous jackets, skirts, capes, hats, ponchos, waistcoats, sweaters and scarves. 32pp. Pb.

The Ashford Book of Rigid Heddle Weaving - Revised - $33.00
Rowena Hart. The revised edition of this book includes new techniques such as brooks bouquet, huck weaving, bronson lace and weaving with the second heddle kit. The author, an international weaving teacher, shows you how to create exciting, beautiful garments and crafts - all on the simple two harness loom. You are guided step-by-step through the many techniques, using color and texture. This loom is simple to use, light and compact. It will produce fabrics and tapestries to delight you - whether you are a novice or experienced weaver. 100pp. Pb.

The Ashford Book of Weaving For the Four Shaft Loom - $35.00
Anne Field. The versatile four-shaft loom is popular with beginners and experienced craftspeople. Here award-winning weaver and teacher, Anne Field has written a comprehensive text specifically for this loom. It covers planning a warp, pattern drafting, weaving techniques and fourteen innovative projects. Projects in this book include: Two scarves, six tablemats, two cushions, upholstery fabric, surface-weave fabric, cotton jacket, stole, cocoon jacket, crossover shawl, overshot runner, weft-face hanging, tapestry hanging, warp-face hanging and double-width knee rug. 175pp. Pb.

The Best of Weavers II: Thick & Thin - $39.00
Madelyn van der Hoogt. This is the second book in the Best of Weaver's series. It contains a dazzling collection of serenipitous surprises that have come as answers to the weaver's favorite question "what if". 107pp, Pb.

The Best of Weavers III: Fabrics That Go Bump - $31.00
Madelyn van der Hoogt. This is for those interested in the area of thick, textured, sturdy weaves. This set of patterns include ribs and cords, honeycomb and waffle weave, pleats, and seersucker. The beginner weaver will find clear instructions for projects that will set them on a sure path to understanding this area of weaving. The advanced weaver will find patterns to stimulate and expand their understanding of these complex weaves where they can use as many harnesses as are available. 107pp, Pb.

The Best of Weavers IV: Twill Thrills - $39.00
Madelyn van der Hoogt. Many new four-shaft weavers are familiar with plain-old twill, blue jean twill, sturdy cloth for garments and furnishings. But now-a-days new weavers and advancing weavers have access to multi-shaft looms, some even powered by computers. This has opened up the realm of old straight twill into a 'bonkers' world of op-art twills. This collection of articles from Weaver's magazine under the editorship of Madelyn van der Hoogt, lays the foundation for breaking the bounds of the old twill weaves and entering this realm of 'network' drafting and opulent multi-shaft twill design. Most of this information is illustrated with projects using the new twill techniques for some stunning garment fabrics and utilitarian textiles. This is a very important package of information, in my opinion, on the most important new direction in weaving loom-controlled and computer-assisted fabric. 108pp. Pb.

The Best of Weavers V: The Magic of Doubleweave - $39.00
Madelyn van der Hoogt. Double Weave is the fifth in the series of Best of Weaver's books: collections of treasured articles from almost twenty inspiring years of Weaver's magazine and Prairie Wool Companion. This volume explores the amazing feats that can be done by weaving two layers of fabric on the loom--the technique that weavers know as double weave. This collection of beautiful handwoven projects in double weave everything you need to know to: design and weave two layers of cloth, stitch two layers together for backed or two-faced fabrics, connect two layers at one edge for a fabric double the width of the loom, create block designs by exchanging differently colored layers, use overshot patterns as the basis for double-weave designs, and create dimensional, decorated fabrics by stuffing pockets, embellishing surfaces, cutting layers, and more. 108pp. Pb.

The Best of Weavers VI: Overshot is Hot! - $39.00
Madelyn van der Hoogt. With more than 30 of the best overshot projects compiled from 20 years of Weaver's magazine and Prairie Wool Companion, this weaver’s reference combines step-by-step instructions with weaving theory. Such projects as heirloom linens, traditional coverlets, and colorful modern applications for scarves, table toppers, and wall hangings are presented, covering everything a crafter needs to know to design fabulous fabrics in overshot and its cousin star-and-diamond weave. Both beginners and advanced weavers working on at least four-shaft looms will delight in the projects provided. 109pp. Pb.

Collapse Weave - $52.00
Anne Field. Collapse cloth, when removed from the loom and washed, takes on an entirely different appearance as the threads draw up and create puckers. This is the subject of this book. Combinations of various weaving techniques are presented alongside photos and diagrams, providing clear instructions for sewing scarves, wraps, tops, and harem-style pants made from this fluid and unusual cloth. Additional chapters describe in detail how to warp the loom and add special effects such as double weave, supplementary warps, spaced cloth, overshot, and deflected double weave. Tips for those who want to spin their own yarn for collapse projects are also included. 150pp. Pb.

Designing Woven Fabrics - $77.00
Janet Phillips. This book describes and illustrates Janet’s method of designing functional woven fabrics based on the 2/2 Twill weave structure. It addresses the questions that students most commonly ask of her. How do you design fabric, where do you get your ideas from, how do you choose color combinations, and what can I do with my yarn stash? The book, generously illustrated with color photos and weave diagrams, is divided into three distinct parts. Part One covers the construction and weaving of a multiple sectioned sample blanket. Part Two describes the principal design criteria. Part Three details 50 original designs. Designing Woven Fabric is aimed at weavers who are already comfortable about making warps, dressing looms, and weaving in general, but who now want to design and weave their own original fabrics. 170pp. Pb.

Early American Weaving and Dyeing - $16.00
J & R Bronson. The domestic manufacturer's assistant and family directory in the arts of weaving and dyeing. Classic guide, first published in 1817. How to weave 35 designs, from damask diaper to Bird's-eye carpet, and 41 selections on dyeing. Detailed coverage of wool processing, calculating thread, carding and spinning, loom operation, more. 204pp. Pb.

Handwoven Design Collection #19: Scarves & Shawls - $16.00
Fifteen projects in glorious colours and intriguing weave structures in a wide range of materials from silky to soft, woolly to gossamer, dressy to practical.

Learning To Weave - $38.00
Deborah Chandler. Since its first printing in the mid 80's this book has become the standard text both for teachers and self-taught weavers. The author covers all the basics. Then basic weave structures, block theory, drawdowns, choosing yarns, buying a loom, troubleshooting, finishing, and more. This revised edition adds an important chapter on warping back-to-front and updated resource lists. 232pp, PB.

Line-In Tapestry - $36.00
Kathe Todd-Hooker. This book is written about line use, line technique, and producing lines in tapestry from the simple to the complex. If you want to understand line usage in tapestry, this is the book for you. The book also has a great deal of information of that would be of general use to tapestry weavers. These include: preparing weft bundles so that the group of yarn lie flat and weave in without tension problems, wrapping bobbins effectively, and using the technical aspects of weaving to help support the aesthetic possibilities of the tapestry design. 82pp. Sb.

Tapestry Weaving - $29.00
Kirsten Glasbrook. Even if the modernistic samples and bright, primary colors in this book are not your favorite decorating style, the clear how-to instructions give you confidence to interpret the techniques into your own preferred designs. Basic methods are demonstrated through large, color photographs. All the tapestries in this book were woven on simple, rectangular frames, and you can even adapt an old picture frame for this purpose, and use rug yarn for the weft. (A valuable hint to someone who wants to try the skill before investing a lot of money in a loom.) From a solitary heart to circles, simple landscapes then progress on to a labyrinth and incredibly detailed side-woven panels. This book is a wealth of knowledge on the subject of weaving. 96pp, Pb.

The Journal Special Edition: Peter Collingwood - $20.00
Peter Collingwood, who died in 2008, was the most important British weaver of the last 50 years. This special edition of The Journal for Weavers, Spinners and Dyers gives a comprehensive insight into Peter Collingwood’s technical knowledge and innovation which is mostly expressed in his own words. “Handweaving is artistically justifiable only if it can keep abreast of contemporary movements in the world of architecture and fashion, if it can capture the spirit of the age in its textiles” “In late 1952 I sent a rather pompous article ‘moving with the times’ to a magazine I had picked up in the Crafts Centre, Hay Hill, London. I was then weaving in my first workshop in North London, having spent two years training with Ethel Mairet, Barbara Sawyer, and Alistair Morton… The article was published in 1953 and a year later I was in the magazine’s Editorial Committee and stayed there for the next twenty nine years” 52pp. Pb.

Twist and Twine: 18 Ideas For Rag Rugs and Home Decor - $37.00
Bobbie Irwin. This book introduces you to the basic techniques of fabric twining, a traditional craft that has been around since the 1800's. Four extraordinary rug projects with a modern sensibility keep the tradition alive, but then the basics are taken to a new level with three-dimensional items, such as bowls, boxes, baskets and household items. There are even projects to revamp old chairs and outdoor furniture for a modern, green approach. 128pp. Pb.

Weave: Handmade Style - $39.00
Wendy Cartwright. This book examines the traditional craft of hand-weaving and presents 23 beautiful, achievable projects. Included are designs for garments and accessories such as shawls, wraps, jackets and bags, and homewares such as cushions and table mats. The projects range from the simple to those for more advanced weavers. An introductory section also explains the techniques of hand-weaving. 112pp. Pb.

Weaving in the Peruvian Highlands: Dreaming Patterns Weaving Memories - $19.00
Nilda Callanaupa Alvarez. A richly illustrated look at Andean weaving, which embodies the living history and culture of the Peruvian highlands, this guide extensively catalogs many of the intricate patterns found in traditional Peruvian textiles. Exploring the personal histories of the Quechua people who sustain this tradition, it examines how they weave extraordinary amounts of cloth on simple backstrap looms—just as their forebears have done for thousands of years—to make clothing, rugs, bedcovers, potato sacks, hunting slings, and sacrificial fabrics for both their villages and for interested tourists. How pattern names such as Meandering River or Lake With Flowers relate to the geography and history of the region is also discussed, as is how the traditional natural materials and colors enhance the value of the work. 112pp. Pb.

Weaving Without a Loom - $22.00
Veronica Burningham. This small well-illustrated book will surprise you with the thoroughness of its presentation and the diversity of simple techniques with very delightful results. Weaving on card, weaving on sticks, weaving three dimensional objects like berets on flat card, and even weaving tapestry on second-hand store picture frames and embroidery hoops will satisfy the teacher, the beginner, and the textile artist wanting simple, portable project ideas. 130 color photographs, clear directions. 64pp. Pb.

Woven Treasures: One-of-a-Kind Bags with Folk Weaving Techniques - $36.00
Sara Lamb. With weaving enjoying a resurgence in popularity among crafters and cottage industries worldwide, this guide enables novice weavers to explore basic folk techniques and styles to produce beautiful and evocative handcrafted works of art. From creative conception to completion, aspiring fiber artists are given accessible yet in-depth instructions on hand-manipulating weaving techniques, such as soumak, twining, cut pile, cardweaving, inkle weaving, and plain weave. Containing six easy-to-follow weaving tutorials and projects for eight exquisite hand-woven bags, this manual encourages personal, creative distinctions and promotes understanding and appreciation of the color and textural components of traditional folk weaving style. Designed to instill a sense of creativity and accomplishment through the learned techniques and finished product, this delightful guide is certain to become an essential reference for those in the field of fiber arts. 128pp. Pb.

Ashford Heddle Hook - $6.00
Indispensible for threading the warp through the heddles on the shaft (harness), while setting up your loom.

Ashford Reed Hook - $3.00
The appropriate tool for threading the warp through the dents (spaces) in the reed, while setting up your loom.