Valley Yarns #173 Shadow Weave Runner

Valley Yarns Shadow Weave Runner

What is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Shadow Weave Runner is a woven table runner designed for dining room buffets and similar home décor applications. This downloadable weaving draft produces two finished runners, each measuring 11.5" x 43", from a single warp setup. The design was created by Barbara Elkins and is based on a modified shadow weave draft, enhanced with pattern units for increased width and color combinations that complement traditional oriental rugs and home interiors.

Weave Structure and Techniques

This project employs an 8-shaft shadow weave structure, a sophisticated weaving technique that creates dimensional pattern effects through the interplay of contrasting colors. Shadow weave is particularly valued in home textile design for its ability to produce complex visual patterns without requiring intricate treadling sequences. The threading for this runner is notably complex, requiring careful attention during loom dressing; however, the actual weaving process is simplified through the use of point twill treadling, which creates a straightforward rhythm once the loom is properly threaded. The alternation of two colors during weaving—Currant and Ink Blue—is essential to achieving the shadow weave effect and ensures that the weaving process remains fast and accessible even with the intricate threading setup.

Stitches and Threading Details

The threading pattern for the Valley Yarns Shadow Weave Runner involves 305 ends distributed across 8 shafts with specific heddle counts per shaft: Shaft 1 contains 40 heddles, Shaft 2 contains 47 heddles, Shaft 3 contains 38 heddles, Shaft 4 contains 38 heddles, Shaft 5 contains 42 heddles, Shaft 6 contains 42 heddles, Shaft 7 contains 30 heddles, and Shaft 8 contains 26 heddles. The warp is wound with alternating ends of Currant and Ink Blue, beginning and ending with Currant, with floating selvage ends of Currant on each side for finished edges. The sett is 24 ends per inch (epi), achieved using 2 ends per dent in a 12-dent reed, with a corresponding picks per inch (ppi) of 24 to maintain square proportions in the finished textile.

Materials and Equipment

This weaving project requires an 8-shaft loom with a minimum width of 15 inches to accommodate the 12.7" width in reed. A 12-dent reed is specified for achieving the correct sett. The yarn used is Valley Yarns 10/2 Cotton, a 100% mercerized cotton available at 4200 yards per pound. Two colors are used: #3800 Currant (1147 yards) and #2625 Ink Blue (1131 yards). The total warp length required is 4 yards to produce both runners. Equipment includes 2 shuttles and 2 bobbins for managing the alternating color changes during treadling. A temple, while optional, is recommended as a useful tool for maintaining consistent width and tension throughout the weaving process.

Design Inspiration

The runner design draws inspiration from shadow weave drafts found in weaving literature, specifically modified from sources such as Strickler. Designer Barbara Elkins adapted the traditional shadow weave structure by adding pattern units to increase the width and selected a two-color palette—Currant and Ink Blue—specifically chosen to enhance and coordinate with oriental rug designs in home settings. The flexibility of the pattern allows weavers to substitute their own color combinations to match existing home décor while maintaining the elegant shadow weave visual effect.