Simple Echo Weave
This project is a simple Echo weave scarf woven on a Katie loom using Ashford Tekapo 3 Ply yarn. What is Echo weave? Echo weave is not a weave structure but a method of threading on two (or more) parallel lines which when combined with alternating colours gives a very interesting effect.
Using this same method/theory for designing drafts you can come up with the most beautiful fabrics. You can use the “echo” in the treadling also for even more variety.
Enjoy!
Kate.
Loom: Katie Table Loom – or any eight shaft loom – min. 30cm (12″) weaving width
Warp and weft yarn: Tekapo 3 ply yarn
Warp quantity: I suggest putting on a long warp so you have some extra to experiment with. For a single scarf 2.2m (2.4yds) long with 15cm (6”) fringes at both ends you will only need approx. 500m (546yds) of yarn. One ball of Colour 1 and one ball of Colour 2 Tekapo 3 ply will be enough to do a 4.7m warp at 30cm (12″) wide.
Weft quantity: For a single scarf 2.2m (2.4yds) long with 15cm (6”) fringes at both ends you will need approx. 1 ball of Tekapo 3ply
Weft colour: Colour 3
Sett: 16epi
Reed: if using an 8dpi reed sley 2 per slot, if using a 12dpi reed sley 1,1,2 (CLICK HERE to view the reed substitution chart)
Width in reed: 30cm (12″)
Warp length: As long as you want, as above I suggest putting a nice long warp so you can have a play around with the weaving. For a single scarf 2.2m (2.4yds) long with 15cm (6”) fringes at both ends make your warp 2.7m (3yds).
Warping: Alternate Colour 1 and Colour 2
Weaving: Using Colour 3 weave as per the draft. Beat gently, remember wool needs room to bloom when washed. Remove from loom, twist fringes, warm wash and lay flat to dry.
Echo weave explained a little more…
Echo weave is not a weave structure but a method of threading on two (or more) parallel lines – imagine taking a regular twill draft, duplicate it, move it over one thread and then up 4 shafts. The original threading 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 has now extra duplicated threads added and moved up so it has become 1, 5, 2, 6, 3, 7, 4, 8, 5, 1, 6, 2, 7, 3, 8, 4
A very basic visual explanation – start with a threading plan (left image). Then you add a parallel repeat (right image) If you are using Fiberworks PCW you will find this under the “warp” menu.
If you do not have weaving software, I suggest you try Fiberworks PCW. It is simple to use and has all the features I have wanted over the years. You can download a free version – but you cannot save or print your drafts.
Then you alternate your warp thread colours. Then spend hours playing around with all the variations. Have fun!
