2 Scarves – Houndstooth and Log Cabin

Christmas is approaching quickly but there is still plenty of time to make handmade gifts. Here are two of my favourite colour and weave patterns, woven in plain weave on a rigid heddle loom using contrasting colours to give stunning results. Easily woven in just a few hours – why don’t you give handmade this holiday season.

Happy weaving!

Kate

Houndstooth
Log Cabin

You will need:
Loom: 25cm (10ins) or wider rigid heddle 
Reed: 30/10 (7.5dpi)
Warp and weft yarn: Ashford DK Yarn for each scarf I used one ball of each colour.
Other: 2 shuttles, scrap yarn (to spread the warp), fringe twister

Here’s how:
Warp width in the reed: 20cm (8ins)
Total warp length: 2.2m (86½in) This length allows 10-15cm (4-6in) at each end for the fringe.
Total warp ends: 60

These instructions are to be used in conjunction with the Learn to Weave booklet

Warping up the loom:
See booklet warping instructions 01 – 09. Adjust the length of the warp to 2.2m (86½in).

Tip: Before you begin, use a piece of scrap yarn to mark the centre slot in the reed – start threading 15 slots out from the center of the reed. Wind the warp onto the loom. See steps 12 to 19 in the Learn to Weave booklet.
1. Place the reed in the rest position. Tie the dark warp yarn to the back warp stick. Slide the threading hook through the fi rst slot. Catch the yarn and pull the loop through, loop over the warping peg.
2. Tie the light warp yarn to the back warp stick and repeat as above.
3. Continue across the reed as shown alternating colours in slots: One dark, one light.

Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Winding on the back roller.

Houndstooth Scarf

4. Take one thread from the first pair of threads, take the thread out of the slot (the other thread stays in the slot), using the threading hook, pull this thread through the eye to the right.
Continue across all slots. Now threads are in both eyes and slots.
5. Tie the ends into groups about 2cm wide.
6. Leash on your warp. See video tutorial on Tying on a warp 
7. Using some scrap yarn spread the warp. See video tutorial on Spreading the warp 
8. Weave complete length of scarf with two rows light, then two rows dark weft. Make sure you catch the outer thread each time. Note: Carefully cross your shuttles when changing colours to make a neat edge (8b). When you reach the end leave enough warp for your fringe. Beat gently – the weaving should be balanced – the same number of warp threads per inch as weft rows per inch. Remember the weaving will “bloom” and the spaces will fill in when you wash it. 
See more weaving tutorials HERE

Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
Step 7
Step 7b
Step 8

Finishing
Tie ends in groups of four using an overhand knot or twist with the Ashford Fringe Twister.
Darn the end of the weft thread into your work using a wool needle. Hand wash in warm water. Lay flat to dry. Press with a warm iron.

Log Cabin Scarf

Work steps 1 – 3 from as above.
4. Working from right to left along the reed. Remove from the slots where necessary, thread the fi rst 5 eyes with light and the first 5 slots with dark.
Thread the next 5 eyes with dark and 5 slots with light. Repeat across the rest of the warp.
5. Tie the ends into groups about 2cm wide.
6. Leash on your warp. See video tutorial on Tying on a warp 
7. Using some scrap yarn spread the warp. See video tutorial on Spreading the warp
8. Weave one row of the dark colour. The second row in the light colour. Alternate until you have woven a block of 5 dark and 4 light. Start the second block with dark again, then light until you have woven a block of 5 dark and 4 light. Weave complete length of scarf repeating this block sequence.
Note: Carefully cross your shuttles when changing colours to make a neat edge. When you reach the end leave enough warp for your fringe. Beat gently – the weaving should be balanced – the same number of warp threads per inch as weft rows per inch. Remember the weaving will “bloom” and the spaces will fill in when you wash it. 
See more weaving tutorials HERE

Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
Step 7
Step 7b
Step 8

Finishing
Tie ends in groups of four using an overhand knot or twist with the Ashford Fringe Twister.
Darn the end of the weft thread into your work using a wool needle. Hand wash in warm water. Lay flat to dry. Press with a warm iron.

For neat edges always catch the outer thread.