Fun with Pickup Sticks – Part 1

We were thrilled with the fantastic response to our recent blog post about colour and weave techniques on the rigid heddle loom! It’s always exciting to see such enthusiasm for weaving. To keep the momentum going, I’d like to share some of my favourite pickup stick patterns that can be created on any rigid heddle loom.

These patterns are not only fun to experiment with, but they also open up a world of creative possibilities. Whether you’re a seasoned weaver or just starting out, I hope you enjoy exploring and trying out these designs. Happy weaving!

Kate

The sampler below was warped up using Ashford Triple Knit yarn in the colour Shadow.

You will need:
Loom: Ashford Rigid Heddle Loom 25cm (10”) or wider
Reed: 7.5dpi
Warp and Weft Yarn Quantity: Ashford Triple Knit yarn in the colour Shadow. 100% wool. 1 x 100gm ball.

Hint: Weave a few rows of plain between each pattern or place a contrasting thread is I have.

Here’s how:
Total warp ends: 54 (you can do this sampler any width)
Total warp length: 1.5m (5ft)
Width in reed: 18cm (7ins)
EPI (ends per inch): 7.5
PPI (picks per inch): 7.5

Legend:

PUP = Pick up pattern. This is the sequence you pick up the threads behind the reed. The reed is in the down position when you pick up the threads that are in the slots. You never pick up threads that are in the holes/eyes.

When the pattern says “PUP – Over 1, Under 1” – you take your pickup stick over the first thread, then under the second thread etc. the full width across the warp. If the pattern says “PUP – Over 2, Under 2” – you take your pickup stick over the first 2 threads, under the next two threads etc. the full width across the warp. 

Hint: If you find it difficult to see the threads place a piece of paper or card between the layers.

When the Pickup stick is not in use always slide it to the back by the roller.

(click on images to view larger size)

Reed down, picking up threads behind the reed
When not in use, ensure the pickup stick is slid to the back

UP – Reed in the up position (A)

DOWN – Reed in the down position (B)

NEUTRAL – The reed in neutral position

UP P/S Forward Flat – The reed is in the up position, and the pickup stick has been slid forward to behind the reed but is still flat (C)

NEUTRAL P/S Forward Side – The reed is in neutral, and the pickup stick is forward and turned on its side (D)

Hint: Weave a few rows of plain between each pattern or place a contrasting thread.

A. UP - Reed up
B. DOWN - Reed down
C. UP P/S Forward Flat
D. NEUTRAL P/S Forward Side

Pattern #1

PUP – Under 1, Over 1
Row 1: DOWN
Row 2: UP P/S Forward Flat
Row 3: DOWN
Row 4: UP
Continue repeating Row 1 – 4

Off loom
Washed

Pattern #2

PUP – Under 1, Over 2
Row 1: UP
Row 2: NEUTRAL P/S Forward Side
Row 3: UP
Row 4: DOWN
Row 5: UP P/S Forward Flat
Row 6: DOWN
Row 7: UP P/S Forward Flat
Row 8: DOWN
Continue repeating Row 1 – 8

Off loom
Washed

Pattern #3

PUP – Under 1, Over 1
Row 1: UP
Row 2: DOWN
Row 3: NEUTRAL P/S Forward Side
Continue repeating Row 1 -3

Off loom
Washed

Pattern #4

PUP – Under 2, Over 1
Row 1: DOWN
Row 2: UP P/S Forward Flat
Row 3: DOWN
Row 4: UP P/S Forward Flat
Row 5: DOWN
Row 6: UP
Continue repeating Row 1 -6

Off loom
Washed
Detail

Pattern #5

PUP – Under 1, Over 1
Row 1: UP
Row 2: NEUTRAL P/S Forward Side
Row 3: UP
Row 4: DOWN
Continue repeating Row 1 – 4

Off loom
Washed
Detail

Pattern #6

PUP – Under 1, Over 1
Row 1: UP
Row 2: NEUTRAL P/S Forward Side
Row 3: DOWN
Row 4: NEUTRAL P/S Forward Side
Continue repeating Row 1 – 4

Off loom
Washed

Pattern #7

PUP – Over 3, Under 3
Row 1: NEUTRAL P/S Forward Side
Row 2:  UP
Continue repeating Row 1-2 three more times, then weave some plain weave then repeat the pattern.

Off loom
Washed

If you have enjoyed these patterns – make sure you are signed up to receive our Blog notifications and you will be notified when Part 2 is published.