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!
11 comments:
Thank you Kelly. You are always so generous. I purchased a scarf pattern from you a few months ago . I need to get it going, Christmas sneaks up fast!
The 2 colour clasped weft I have learned from you already. These 2 new video's are great as well. I am certainly going to use these techniques and thinking about 3 pillowcovers: one in 2 colours, one in 3 and one in 4 colours. Thank you again for your clear educations and inspiration!
Greetings out of Holland.🌷
Thanks for reading Betsy, I appreciate it :)
That sounds great Marjan, I'm glad this has been of benefit to you!
I think you must be one of the most generous weaving professionals in the world! Thank you so much for your generosity and teaching.
Excellent instructional viseos Kelly. Thank you
Thank you Nita, it's a blessing to be able to share what I love!
Thank you Angela :)
Thanks Kelly, I have been busy using this to make mug rugs by beating it tight.. they look great. Will put up a pic when off the loom. 🙂
I just love your blog posts and videos! Such a talent! I am loving the clasped weft! I live in a remote area and try to learn as much as I can based upon your posts. I just recently saw what is called a clasped warp. Is this something that you have done? If so, can you share instructions on how this is accomplished?
Hi Kathi, thank you for your kind words! I have been asked by others about clasped warp and it is something I plan to make a class on at some point.
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