Valley Yarns #170 Susurro Gingham

Valley Yarns Susurro Gingham Weaving Pattern

What is Being Made

The Susurro Gingham is a woven scarf designed by Leslie Ann Bestor, created using a color-and-weave technique that produces perfect little gingham squares. The finished scarf measures 9.25" x 55" plus fringe, making it an elegant trans-seasonal accessory suitable for year-round wear.

Weaving Technique

This project uses a color-and-weave structure, a classic weaving technique that creates pattern and visual interest by alternating colors in both the warp and weft rather than relying on complex loom manipulations. The design features 4 by 4 blocks that create the characteristic gingham pattern. The technique is simple by design, allowing the beautiful qualities of the yarn itself to be the focal point of the finished piece.

The weaving method involves direct warping on the loom. Weavers dress the loom by alternating 4 ends of Natural with 4 ends of Fire Agate across the warp for a total of 120 ends, repeating this sequence 15 times. During the weaving process, two shuttles are used simultaneously—one carrying Fire Agate yarn and one carrying Natural yarn. Each shuttle weaves 4 picks (rows) before the other begins, and the non-working yarn is carried up the side of the fabric, locked in place by catching it with the weft yarn on every other pick. This efficient method eliminates the need to cut yarn between color changes.

Equipment Required

• Rigid heddle loom with minimum 15" weaving width
• 12-dent heddle
• 2 shuttles
• Spacers for fringe management
• Scrap yarn for tie-on
• Warping board (optional, for preparing warp)

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Susurro Gingham is woven using Malabrigo Susurro yarn, a luxurious blend of 50% Silk, 25% Linen, and 25% Merino wool. This fiber content is specifically chosen for its perfect suitability on the rigid heddle loom and its lush, sensuous drape. The yarn comes in 325-yard skeins, and the pattern requires two colorways:

• #063 Natural – 269 yards
• #662 Fire Agate – 269 yards

The total warp length is 90" (2.5 yards) at a sett of 12 ends per inch (epi) and 12 picks per inch (ppi), with a width in reed of 10". The combination of silk, linen, and merino creates a yarn with excellent drape and a refined appearance, making it ideal for a scarf that will be worn close to the skin across multiple seasons.

Pattern Characteristics

The gingham pattern emerges through the systematic color alternation in both directions of the weave. The 4 by 4 block structure creates a balanced, symmetrical design that is both visually striking and timeless. The color-and-weave technique requires no complex threading or treadle work, making it accessible to weavers using a simple rigid heddle loom while still producing a sophisticated finished product.