Valley Yarns #174 Linen Valance

Valley Yarns Linen Valance – Woven Homeware Design

Project Overview

The Valley Yarns Linen Valance is a downloadable weaving pattern designed by Wendy Bestor that creates an elegant window treatment combining crisp linen with decorative lace patterning. This project produces a finished curtain valance measuring 15.5" wide by 54" long, making it an ideal first-time project for weavers new to working with linen fiber. The design features a lovely lacy pattern that complements linen's natural texture and appearance.

Weave Structure and Techniques

This valance is constructed using Huck Lace, a traditional weaving technique that creates openwork patterns through the strategic arrangement of warp and weft threads. Huck Lace is particularly well-suited to linen, as the fiber's crispness enhances the definition of the lacy motifs. The pattern incorporates decorative beads strung along the left selvedge for visual interest, while the right selvedge is finished with loops designed for hanging on a curtain rod.

Loom Equipment Requirements

This project requires the following equipment:

• 4-shaft loom with a minimum weaving width of 18"
• 1 boat shuttle
• 1 bobbin
• 1 stick shuttle
• 24 beads (any size that can be strung on doubled 10/2 linen)

Yarn Materials and Specifications

The Valley Yarns Linen Valance uses 100% linen yarns in two weights:

• Warp Yarn: Valley Yarns 40/2 linen, half-bleached (6000 yards per pound) – 1,515 yards total
• Weft Yarn – Primary: Valley Yarns 40/2 linen, half-bleached (6000 yards per pound) – 914 yards
• Weft Yarn – Decorative: Valley Yarns 10/2 linen, half-bleached (1500 yards per pound) – 52 yards for the beaded stick shuttle

The 40/2 linen serves as both the primary warp and main weft, while the thicker 10/2 linen is doubled and threaded with beads to create the decorative selvedge detail.

Weaving Specifications

The valance is woven on a 3-yard warp composed of 505 ends at a sett of 30 ends per inch (epi), achieved using a 10-dent reed with 3 dents per inch. The finished width in the reed measures 16.8", which draws down to the final finished width of 15.5". The weave density is set at 30 picks per inch (ppi).

Threading and Shaft Configuration

The pattern uses a specific threading draft across four shafts with the following heddle counts:

• Shaft 1: 157 heddles
• Shaft 2: 154 heddles
• Shaft 3: 96 heddles
• Shaft 4: 98 heddles

The threading order follows a structured sequence that creates the Huck Lace pattern when combined with the tie-up configuration.

Weaving Process

The project begins with winding the warp using the 40/2 linen in the specified threading draft. The boat shuttle is wound with 40/2 linen for the primary weft, while the stick shuttle is prepared by threading a doubled strand of 10/2 linen with beads spaced along its length. Weavers are advised to work with 5- to 6-yard lengths of beaded weft at a time, incorporating approximately 6 beads per section for manageable handling. The weaving begins with plain weave sections using scrap yarn to spread the warp and secure the fabric's beginning before transitioning into the lace pattern.

Finished Dimensions and Characteristics

The completed Valley Yarns Linen Valance measures 15.5" in width and 54" in length, creating a substantial window treatment suitable for valance applications. The combination of Huck Lace structure with 100% linen fiber produces a crisp, refined appearance with pronounced lacy openwork that allows light to filter through while maintaining visual interest and elegance.