Soft Plaid
Recently, I started learning how to use the rigid heddle loom through Craftsy’s class Rigid Heddle Weaving by Angela Tong. If you are looking for a beginner class, or are needing a brush-up, I really recommend this class! She goes through the basics, as well as different weaving techniques on the rigid heddle. Setting up a rigid heddle loom was definitely a learning curve for me, but through Angela Tong’s class, everything was made simple and I was able to start weaving a lot quicker than on my own.
Once I figured out how to set up the loom, it wasn’t long until my mind switched to patterns. For this piece, I wanted to do a classic plaid that was not overbearing, but subtle. This pattern is worked in sets of 80 and can be adapted to any heddle and/or yarn.
Some of the links I have provided in this post are affiliate links through which I will receive a small advertising compensation if a purchase is made. However, all opinions are my own and every product I personally recommend.
Materials
For this pattern, I used the yarns and heddle mentioned below. However, this pattern is adaptable to any yarn and/or heddle.
Color One: Paradise Fibers’ 8/2 Cotton Yarn-Blueberry
Color Two: Paradise Fibers’ 5/2 Mercerized Cotton-White
Heddle Size: 10 Dent
Setting the Warp
The warping pattern is worked in sets of 80. Repeat warp pattern to the desired width
(for my project I repeated the pattern three times).
- Warp 40 in Blueberry (Color 1)
- Warp 6 in White (Color 2)
- Warp 20 in Blueberry (Color 1)
- Warp 14 in White (Color 2)
The pattern
You can print the full pattern here!
Once you have warped the loom, measure each color section individually and write the measurements down in your notes. This will be your guide for weaving.
Section one:
Using Color 1, plain weave across until section matches warp 40’s measurement, making a square.
(my measurement was 3 1/2”)
Section two:
Using Color 2, plain weave across until section matches warp 6’s measurement, creating a square.
(My measurement was 1/2”)
Section three:
Using Color 1, plain weave across until section matches warp 20’s measurement, making a square.
(my measurement was 1 3/4”)
Section four:
Using Color 2, plain weave across until section matches warp 14’s measurement, creating a square.
(My measurement was 1 1/4”)
Repeat sections one-four to end of the warp.
You can print the full pattern here!
On your Soft Plaid towel pattern, is the 8/2 warped single or doubled. I like a lightweight towel so I like it if it is single. BTW, your website is beautifully done.
Hi Kathy,
The pattern is single warped, making a lightweight product. The pattern is great for a bread cloth or something similar to that weight.
Brittany Seaborg
Thank you for sharing your pattern, very beautiful and well explained for someone of my beginner skill level.
I wove my Clan Sinclair wall hanging on my rigid heddle loom. I had never woven a plaid before but I soon learned about making squares and keeping notes on measurements. I dyed my wool yarn using it for both warp and weft.
This looks beautiful. I would love to learn how to weave like this. What kind of loom do you use? I am a knitter but am interested in creating/designing woven pieces also.
Thank you -Sharon
Hey Sharon,
I use a 24in Kromski Rigid Heddle Loom. You can find my exact loom here at the Woolery!
Great, I will look into getting one. Thank you!