Just when you think you've tried everything in weaving, you come across something different, like Clasped Weft. The title pretty much summarises the particulars, but to break it down, the clasped weft technique uses 2,3 or 4 interlocking weft colours. If you have done any tapestry, you will be familiar with the interlocking concept.
We mainly use a plain weave structure (though clasped weft can actually be used in other structures, such as twill). It is a perfect technique for a rigid heddle loom, because, although it's simple, it looks special and has big impact.
Lets look at some (rather poorly drawn, sorry about that!) diagrams to get a clearer idea of how this works. The drawings are over simplified, as I haven't drawn in the warp and weft interlacement, but I have drawn in the edge warp threads:
Clasped weft with 2 weft colours.
Clasped weft with 3 colours.
Clasped weft with 4 colours.
We mainly use a plain weave structure (though clasped weft can actually be used in other structures, such as twill). It is a perfect technique for a rigid heddle loom, because, although it's simple, it looks special and has big impact.
Lets look at some (rather poorly drawn, sorry about that!) diagrams to get a clearer idea of how this works. The drawings are over simplified, as I haven't drawn in the warp and weft interlacement, but I have drawn in the edge warp threads:
Clasped weft with 2 weft colours.
Clasped weft with 3 colours.
Clasped weft with 4 colours.
A few recommendations for better results.
1. Use contrasting colours. Light and dark will make the weaving pop.
2. Use the same weight yarn for both warp and weft. You will get better results and avoid the not so pretty lumps and bumps that can occur at interlocking points.
3. For the 2 colour technique, a variegated yarn with a contrasting yarn looks really cool! (See photo below).
If you like the look of clasped weft as much as I do, I have some great news for you! I have 3 free Youtube video tutorials that will teach you each of these techniques. Start with video 1 so that you can practice the technique, before moving on to the others.
Try it out and let me know what you think. Leave me a comment here or under any of the Youtube videos, I love to hear from you!
