Valley Yarns #152 Four Corners Placemats

Valley Yarns Four Corners Placemats: Warp Rep Weaving Project

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Four Corners Placemats are a set of four finished woven placemats, each measuring 11.8" x 18", plus one full-sized sample. These homeware textiles are designed by Barbara Elkins and utilize a two-block warp rep weaving structure to create striped placemats suitable for everyday table use. The project produces durable, mercerized cotton placemats ideal for coordinating with dishware.

Weaving Techniques and Structure

This project employs warp rep weaving, a technique that creates pattern and texture through the strategic use of warp yarns in a rep weave structure. Warp rep is a workshop-inspired technique that uses only two pattern treadles and two tabby treadles, making it an accessible entry point for weavers new to this method. The design features a simple two-block profile that creates visual interest through color placement rather than complex threading.

The striped pattern is achieved through careful color ordering in the warp, with the weft providing additional color variation. The weaving structure requires very firm tension and beat during the weaving process, as warp rep demands precise loom control and sturdy equipment to achieve proper results.

Stitches and Weaving Elements

• Two-block warp rep weave structure
• Two pattern treadles for main design
• Two tabby treadles for ground weave
• Striped color arrangement in warp and weft
• Optional twining detail with Turquoise Blue yarn
• Buttonhole stitch hems for finishing edges

Materials: Yarns, Needles, and Equipment

Warp Yarns: Valley Yarns Valley Cotton 3/2 (100% Mercerized Cotton, 1260 yards per pound) in three colorways: Shell (#7503) at 852 yards, Turquoise Blue (#2194) at 540 yards, and Madder Brown (#7382) at 312 yards. Total warp length is 6 yards with 284 ends.

Weft Yarns: Valley Yarns Valley Cotton 3/2 in Madder Brown (#7382) and Saddle (#7125) at 607 yards each (or 1214 yards of Madder Brown alone), Shell (#7503) at 256 yards, and optional Turquoise Blue for twining at approximately 14 yards.

Loom and Equipment Requirements: A 4-shaft loom at least 18" wide is required, though a wider and sturdier loom is preferable due to the firm tension demands of warp rep weaving. Equipment includes one ski shuttle and one boat shuttle (or two stick shuttles longer than 12", or a combination of stick and boat shuttles), and matching buttonhole thread for hem finishing. The warp is set at 24 ends per inch using a 6-dent reed with 4/dent threading, creating a finished width of 11.8" in the reed.

Design Inspiration and Approach

The Four Corners Placemats project originated from designer Barbara Elkins' experience in a warp rep workshop with Lucienne Coifman. After extensive sampling and color development to coordinate with personal dishware, Elkins created these placemats as a practical introduction to warp rep weaving. The design demonstrates that warp rep need not be intimidating, offering an achievable yet rewarding project for weavers expanding their technical skills.