Valley Yarns #07 Throw in 4-Shaft Dornik Twill

Valley Yarns Throw in 4-Shaft Dornik Twill

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Throw in 4-Shaft Dornik Twill is a woven blanket designed by Barbara Elkins that can be created as either a single-length throw measuring 29 5/8" x 31 1/4" or a double-length throw measuring 29 5/8" x 62 1/2". This versatile woven textile is ideal for draping over a sofa, wrapping up on cool nights, or placing over a baby blanket during outdoor strolls. The finished throw offers both visual interest and practical everyday functionality.

Weaving Structure and Technique

This project uses a reversing dornik twill weaving structure, which creates a dynamic, visually interesting fabric with pattern variation on both sides. The dornik twill technique adds complexity and appeal to the finished piece while remaining relatively straightforward to execute. For weavers seeking simplification, the pattern can be modified by treadling in only one direction to create a standard twill, or by using a single weft color throughout to produce a striped rather than plaid effect.

Equipment Requirements

This throw requires a 4-shaft loom with a 36" weaving width capacity. Additional equipment includes a reed, one shuttle, four bobbins, and optionally a temple (which is noted as very helpful though not essential). The warp is set at 16 epi (ends per inch), which can be achieved using either a 2 ends/dent configuration on an 8-dent reed or a 1-1-2 threading pattern on a 12-dent reed.

Yarn Materials and Color Specifications

The throw is woven using Valley Yarns 2/10 Merino Tencel, a yarn blend prized for its luxurious hand and natural luster, making it exceptionally suitable for cozy, easy-care fabrics. The yarn is supplied in 1540-yard/8.8 oz. cones (approximately 2800 yards per pound). The project calls for a 3.25-yard warp of 530 ends total, requiring the following yardages in four colors:

• Navy: 670 yards
• Periwinkle: 740 yards (note: this color has been discontinued; Valley Yarns recommends Silver as a substitute)
• Grey Teal: 820 yards
• Steel: 500 yards

These yardage amounts accommodate either a double-length throw or two separate single-length pieces from a single warp.

Warp Setup and Threading

The warp is wound to a length of 3.25 yards (with an optional additional quarter-yard for safety and sampling) and consists of 530 ends including 2 floating selvedges. The warping follows a specific color order chart: Steel (96 ends), Navy (130 ends), Periwinkle (144 ends), and Grey Teal (160 ends), distributed across the warp in a carefully planned sequence. Each of the four shafts requires 132 heddles for threading. The warp is beamed carefully, as the Merino Tencel blend has a slightly sticky quality that requires gentle handling through the lease sticks to prevent tangling or uneven tension.

Finished Dimensions and Care

The throw measures 33 1/8" in the reed before finishing. After washing, the finished dimensions are 29 5/8" wide by either 31 1/4" long (single length) or 62 1/2" long (double length), depending on the weaver's preference. The Merino Tencel fiber blend creates a fabric that is totally easy care, making this throw a practical and durable addition to any home.