Double Weaving

The term “double weaving” can be used to refer to vastly different techniques; the Guild meeting program included presentations of two kinds, which were described by Nancy Squire.

The first technique is also called double-width weaving, and is a method that allows the weaver to create fabric that is twice as wide as the loom itself.  This is done by weaving in two layers, with the weft ‘turning the corner’ at one edge to connect the layers and form what will be the center of the finished fabric.  The other edge is left open on both the top and bottom layers to form the selvedges.

Sondra Vail and Sam Criss displayed and talked about their projects, all woven using this technique, and discussed potential problems and solutions.

Next, Nancy explained the double weaving technique by which two layers are woven simultaneously, with warp and weft interchanging layers to produce reverse-colored images on front and back of the fabric.  The resulting open spaces can even be stuffed, which results in a quilted appearance.

She displayed an Egyptian piece with a peacock pattern as illustration, then Kathy Losee showed several items she wove with cotton singles and sewing thread.  Mary Sue Foster told about a hanging she made of horsehair, woven SIX layers at a time.

Nancy talked about variations on this technique that could produce not only geometric shapes, but pictorial designs.  She then passed around several small weavings, some of which were woven by Helen Canzoneri.