Weaving Books

A Handweaver's Pattern Book - $65.00
Marguarite Davison. The core of any weaver's library would be incomplete without this book. It contains patterns for 4-harness weaves such as Summer & Winter, Crackle, Swedish Lace, Overshot, Huck, M's & O's, and Twill. The draft, tie-up and treadling are given for each pattern and its variations, with a photograph of a swatch for each pattern described. All told, there are 345 treadling directions, well-illustrated with photographs of over 1200 swatches. This is a valuable reference book. 215pp. Hb.

A Weavers Book of 8 Shaft Patterns - $56.00
Carol Strickler. Variations on twills, complex overshot, crackle, lace and huck, double weave and shadow weave all abound in this satisfying collection of complete weaving drafts in the style of the classic 4-harness collection of Marguerite Davison. For those moments to study something new are diversified plain weaves, extended twills, unit weaves, piquet multiple tabby, and more. When you know basically what you want, this well-laid-out book will show you several options toward your weaving goal. This complete manual is a road map. 240pp, Pb.

An Introduction to Weaving: The Four-Shaft Table Loom - $15.00
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 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.

Ashford Book of Weaving Patterns - $36.00
Elsa Krogh. Danish weaver, spinner and author, Elsa Krogh has brought together her favourite weaving patterns using four, six and eight shafts. Elsa has woven beautiful and exciting shawls, scarves, cushions, towels, table runners, placemats and fabric material, She uses a variety of techniques from twill to summer and winter and modern backed weaves and there are projects for all levels of weaving experience. Many of the patterns are sourced from archival material from local museums. Elsa brings a wonderful sense of continuity to her craft as well as elegant Scandinavian style. 92pp. Pb.

The Best of Weavers II: Thick & Thin - $33.00
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 - $33.00
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 V: The Magic of Doubleweave - $31.00
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! - $33.00
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.

The Book of Looms - $39.00
Eric Broudy. This book presents a comprehensive history of handlooms and gives clear descriptions of how they work. Chapters are organized according to the chronological evolution of weaving equipment, from early horizontal ground looms and warp-weighted looms to backstrap and other primitive looms to the Chinese drawloom, the European drawloom, the Jacquard loom, and finally, to "modern" looms for handweavers, such as jack and countermarch looms. 176pp. Pb.

Collapse Weave - $39.00
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.

Color and Texture in Weaving - $37.00
Margo Selby. Learn to mix color and yarn types to create textiles that are rich with color and texture as well as refreshing and modern. Using either a simple four or eight-shaft loom you can discover how to mix color and yarn types to maximize visual effects in your weaving. If you're new to the loom, you'll find complete instructions on how to get your loom set up with illustrated diagrams and beginner-friendly lifting patterns. And if you've already mastered the basic skills, you'll find Color and Texture in Weaving to be a dependable weaving resource with complex techniques and a wealth of inspiring patterns. There are hundreds of weaving patterns within for you to enjoy; each is illustrated with swatches of finished textiles, setup diagrams, lifting patterns, and fabric samples shown in large, full-color photos to highlight the detail. 144pp. Pb.

Continuous Strand Weaving Method: Techniques and Projects for Triangle, Square, and Rectangle Frame Looms - $120.00
Carol Leigh Brack-Kaiser. A comprehensive book on a magical way of weaving, whereby the loom dresses itself during the weaving process. Includes many weaving techniques including twills, laces, double weaves and supplemental warps and wefts; many color effect techniques including color blending, color-and-weave effects, tartans and plaids; surface design techniques including tambour and other embroidery stitches, pile, needle felting, and using textured yarns; planning and charting techniques; tailoring, tips for joining panels, fulling and finishing textiles; unique techniques on frame looms; over 190 projects from simple scarves to wool suit and large capote coats, purses, pouches and pillows, interior textiles from wash cloths and bread cloths to floor mats, blankets, and curtains, including how-to and color photos of all finished items with close up weave structures. 468pp. Pb.

Devore: For Weavers and Knitters - $45.00
Anne Field. Bold or intricate, the process known as dévoré, which creates stunning designs etched into numerous fabrics, is fully examined in this introductory guidebook. Accompanied by inspirational color photographs, the step-by-step instructions describe the techniques for designing beautiful and original fashion wear. Whether using the traditional velvet and silk combination or exploring other materials, this guide shows how to achieve this unique styling on woven, knitted, or crocheted fabric for a variety of effects. 120pp. Pb.

Doubleweave - $36.00
Jennifer Moore. Doubleweave is the art of weaving two layers of cloth at the same time, one above the other on the loom, creating beautiful cloth that is reversible yet unique on each side. Using pick-up techniques and clever color mixing, patterns emerge that are different but complementary on each side. The book begins with a brief history of doubleweave and how it has evolved into the contemporary weaving pieces seen today. Then it goes into all the basics of doubleweave techniques, as well as tips and tricks of setting up the warp, and a variety of doubleweave specialty techniques all shown through detailed process photography and a wealth of swatches demonstrating different effects. Specialty techniques are shown for 4-shaft and 8-shaft looms. The weaving effects covered include lace, tubular weave, pick-up, color mixing, and more. Throughout the book, there are many examples of finished cloth and projects, from wall hangings and table runners to scarves and pillows. If you have always wondered how to go about doubleweave on the loom, wonder no more. This book explains the technique clearly. 152pp. Pb.

The Handweaver's Pattern Directory - $54.00
Anne Dixon. Over 600 weaves for 4-shaft looms. A comprehensive introduction to the tools, equipment, fibers, and yarns used with four-shaft looms, this reference features patterns for 600 different weaves, including twill, zigzag, diamond, herringbone, and block. Color photographs and large-scale drawings allow weavers to closely examine the details, and the compact size and lay-flat binding is convenient for keeping near the loom. A handbook that is essential for all four-shaft weavers, this manual includes weaving basics, specialized projects organized by degree of difficulty, finishing techniques, resources, and a glossary of terms. 256pp. SB.

Learning to Warp Your Loom - $25.00
Joanne Hall. Many books show you the patterns for Handweaving, but this book shows you in detail how to warp your loom for whatever pattern you want to try. A vital book which will be of use everytime you weave, and it lies flat while you are following the instructions! 49pp. Sb.

Learning To Weave - $39.00
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 - $33.00
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.

Linen From Flax Seed to Woven Cloth - $75.00
Linda Heinrich. An inspirational chapter includes 15 articles by Canadian and American weavers and photographs of the artists' works. Throughout you'll enjoy folklore and historical information, including the use of linen by the ancient Egyptians, a history of Irish linen, and linen's status in today's world of fiber and fashion. The story of linen is timeless and fascinating. 256pp. Hb.

On Weaving - $26.00
Anni Albers. This survey of textile fundamentals and methods, written by the foremost textile artist of the 20th century, covers hand weaving and the loom, fundamental construction and draft notation, modified and composite weaves, early techniques of thread interlacing, interrelation of fiber and construction, tactile sensibility, and design. 9 color illustrations. 112 black-and-white plates. 204pp. Pb.

Shaped Tapestry - $31.00
Kathe Todd-Hooker. This book is filled with information about weaving tapestries "out-of-the-box". There are many ways to weave a non-rectangular tapestry. These include: shaping the loom itself, using weave structures that cause the weaving to become shaped, and using scaffolds and other devices to hold areas of warp that are then manipulated into 3-D shapes when the weaving is finished. Naturally, these types of techniques require some special finishing techniques, and this book covers those as well. In addition, this book has a lot of information of general use to tapestry weavers. These include: methods of stabilizing edges, choosing the warp and weft for tapestry, overview of tools useful for tapestry weaving, tips for beginning and ending weft threads so that you don't have a lot of extra ends hanging off the back of the loom, tips for easily securing weft ends, how to re-align warp ends, adding supplemental warps and wefts, hints on controlling eccentric weaving, methods of ending and finishing tapestries, and readying them for exhibition. There is a lot of information here that can be applied to all types of tapestry weaving, not just shaped work. 78pp Sb.

The Shuttle-Craft Book on American Handweaving - $39.00
Mary Meigs Atwater. A truenational popular art - shaped by the necessities and colored by the dreams of a whole people is a deeply touching and a very precious thing. The following pages are dedicated in loving gratitude to the unnamed artists of Americas early day, and are offered to the new craftsmen of Americas great present in the hope of adding a little to the general appreciation of a fine and a beautiful thing. 288pp. Pb.

So Warped: Warping a Loom for Weaving Tapestry - $41.00
Kathe Todd-Hooker & Pat Spark. After many years of teaching tapestry and weaving, the authors realize that it is sometimes the warping process that stops a weaver dead in her/his tracks. Traditional weavers often have horror stories about their warping experiences and while many tapestry weavers do not have a background in traditional weaving, they too often see the process as impossibly difficult. In this book we are covering as many warping methods and hints as our combined 60 years of experience have taught us. We have learned these methods through much trial and error. We present different types of tapestry looms, various tensioning and shedding mechanisms including several types of heddles, and the following warping methods: figure eight, circular, bout, four-selvedge, floor loom, and as an added treat, the method of warping the Russian Old Believer backstrap loom for weaving tapestry belts. There are 110 pages of information for warping your loom so you can weave tapestry. If you aren't warped before you read this book, So Warped will really help you get there. 110pp. Sb.

Tapestry 101 - $34.00
Kathe Todd-Hooker. This book is a beginning course for the person interested in learning how to do woven tapestry. It will give you the foundation you need to understand tapestry weaving and be able to express yourself in this wonderful medium. There are plans for a simple, but competent loom, information on the equipment and materials you'll need for weaving, and instructions on doing the basic techniques that you need to know to complete your own tapestry. There is also information on finishing and mounting your tapestry for exhibition. Even if you have been weaving for awhile, Kathe has covered information on all aspects of tapestry weaving that will be a help to you. There are 108 pages of written information, diagrams, and photographs with a spiral binding so that you can lay the book flat beside your loom as a reference while you're weaving. 108pp. Sb.

Textures and Patterns for the Rigid Heddle Loom - $39.00
Betty Linn Davenport. The Rigid Heddle Loom is a very simple loom. But, as you will discover in this book, you can weave much more than just plain weave. The Revised Edition includes more material and color photos of projects. This is a revised edition of a 1980 book by the same title. This edition contains color plates & covers. 76pp. Sb.

The Journal Special Edition: Peter Collingwood - $22.00
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.

The Xenakis Technique: For the Construction of Four Harness Textiles - $10.00
David Athanasios Xenakis. Here's a challenging book for the advanced weaver. I bet you're surprised at that since this book is about rigid heddle weaving. The author, however, shows you that there is essentially no technique you can do on a 4-harness loom that you cannot do on a rigid heddle loom. If you like that sort of challenge, this book is for you. Pb.

This Is How I Go When I Go Like This: Weaving and Spinning as a Metaphor - $25.00
Linda Ligon. the author is familiar to many fiber artists from many different textile disciplines, mainly through her editorials and articles in Handwoven Magazine and the Interweave family of publishing. This collection of anecdotes and essays on weaving, spinning, knitting, and editing, certainly gives food for thought. 144pp. Pb.

Twined Rag Rugs - $25.00
Bobbie Irwin. Twined rag rugs are currently undergoing a worldwide revival due to the thousands of people who are rediscovering this inexpensive, simple technique; young children learn it easily and the elderly benefit from increased manual dexterity as well as the rhythmic relaxation of the twining. And the result is an incredibly durable heirloom that can be passed through generations. This book introduces numerous pattern and equipment options with step-by-step diagrams and photographs for nine samplers. Also included are complete instructions for building basic equipment, ten rug projects, and tips for designing heirloom rugs. 128pp Pb.

Twist and Twine: 18 Ideas For Rag Rugs and Home Decor - $27.00
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.

Warp and Weft: Lessons in Drafting For Handweaving - $37.00
Mariana Eriksson, Gunnel Gustavsson, Kerstin Lovallius. Profusely illustrated with clear and close-up photographs that show nearly 200 examples, including variations on plain weaves, twills, satins, block weaves, color effects, double weaves, and lampas, this manual contains bountiful information for creating a woven project, from the simplest plain weave for beginners to more complex structures for advanced weavers. The variety of materials, textures, and colors explained within, along with complete draw-downs and profile drafts shown next to photos for ease of comparison, make this book an inspiration for creativity and a comprehensive resource for Swedish weaves. The included lessons on pattern drafting are perfect for crafters who wish to proceed to the next level. 188pp. Hb.

Weave: Handmade Style - $19.00
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.

Weaver's Book of Scottish Tartan (Shuttlecraft Monograph 5) - $15.00
Harriet Tidball. This little book is a handy reference for any tartan weaver. Over 160 tartan profiles are given, plus thread counts for many more. The author begins with a brief history of the tartan and how it is interwoven with the history of Scotland. Then she describes and illustrates the basic tartan patterns. It is a very useful text. The only difficulty weavers may encounter is adjusting to her unique system of notation for the tartan setts. She does not use the typical "pivot point" to illustrate the sett. However, her profile system is helpful in visualizing the full pattern. 46pp. Pb.

The Weaver's Idea Book: Creative Cloth on a Rigid Heddle Loom - $50.00
Jane Patrick. Weaving on the rigid-heddle loom is enjoying a resurgence, and weavers are in need of a book to continue on from basic rigid-heddle techniques. The Weaver's Idea Book presents a wide variety of patterns for the simple rigid-heddle loom, accompanied by harness drafts for multishaft looms. The techniques include leno, Brooks bouquet, soumak, doubleweave and embroidery on fabric. Each chapter contains weaving patterns along with swatches illustrating the techniques, accompanied by step-by-step photography. 239pp. Sb.

Weaving Tapestry in Rural Ireland: Taipess Gael, Donegal - $59.00
Meghan Nuttall Sayres. In this beautifully wrought chronicle, the author has drawn from the past to celebrate the present and future of Taipeis Gael, a tapestry weaving collective of international reputation in Donegal, Ireland. This group of dedicated artists has created a body of work whose compelling imagery, both pictorial and abstract, evokes a powerful sense of their ancient land—a land of rock and sea, of wool and natural dyes, of textiles past and of textiles yet to be created. Sayres has woven tapestries, photographs and the very words of the people themselves into a visual and narrative feast. 200pp. Hb.

Weft Faced Pattern Weaves: Tabby to Taquete - $70.00
Nancy Arthur Hoskins. Travel beyond the traditional limits of boundweave with this comprehensive guide to weft-faced pattern weaves. Beginning and experienced weavers alike will learn how to plan, predict, and weave colorful, rhythmical patterns, charming folk figures, and geometric designs in fabrics that are decorative and durable. Fifty-three projects range from simple to complex weaves. Directions, patterns, and tips are provided for the plain weave, twill, point twill, rosepath, overshot, taqueté, and samitum. It also features Coptic taquete and samitum re-creations and patterns from the Tunic of Tutankhamun. Engaging and informative text accompanies diagrams, illustrated samplers, and drafts with threading, tie-up, treadling, and drawdowns. This is the definitive work on weft-faced pattern weaves and is a must-have reference and resource guide for weavers and crafters alike. 336pp. Sb.

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.