Valley Yarns #192 There Will Be Picnics Again

Valley Yarns There Will Be Picnics Again Weaving Draft

Project Overview

This downloadable weaving pattern from Valley Yarns creates a beautiful table runner designed by Barbara Elkins, perfect for adding texture and color to rustic picnic tables or dining spaces. The project demonstrates how creative problem-solving in fiber arts can lead to unexpected and delightful results—the designer originally intended to create a jacket but pivoted to this more practical and visually striking runner design. The pattern also includes instructions for coordinating placemats, allowing weavers to create a complete tablescape.

What Is Being Made

The primary project is a woven table runner measuring approximately 18 inches in weaving width, created from a 4-yard warp. The pattern also accommodates the creation of two placemats using the same warp, or up to four placemats if weavers extend the warp length by an additional yard. This versatility makes the draft suitable for both individual runners and coordinated table linen sets.

Weave Structure and Techniques

Weave Type: This is a warp-faced 4-shaft texture weave, specifically the "Velverett Cord" pattern (Joseph France #21) from Marguerite Davison's classic reference A Handweaver's Pattern Book. Warp-faced weaves create visual interest by emphasizing the warp yarns, which dominate the surface appearance of the finished textile.

Striped Design: The pattern features striking color stripes created through strategic warp yarn placement. The warp combines four distinct shades of Valley Yarns 5/2 Cotton Stonewash: Admiral Blue (452 yards), Dark Teal (428 yards), Porcelain Blue (292 yards), and Burnt Sienna (264 yards). This color combination creates visual depth and movement across the runner while maintaining a cohesive, sophisticated palette suitable for both casual and refined table settings.

Ease of Execution: The draft is specifically noted for its straightforward threading, weaving, and finishing processes, making it accessible to weavers of varying experience levels. The 4-shaft loom requirement is a standard configuration found in many weaving studios.

Stitches and Technical Specifications

Sett and Density: The pattern uses a sett of 24 ends per inch (epi), achieved by threading 2 ends per dent in a 12-dent reed. The picks per inch (ppi) also measure 24, creating a balanced, evenly-tensioned fabric. The warp consists of 361 ends total, including 2 floating selvedges for finished edges.

Threading and Loom Setup: This 4-shaft texture weave requires a 4-shaft loom with a minimum 18-inch weaving width. The pattern calls for standard weaving equipment including one boat shuttle and one bobbin for efficient weft insertion.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Warp Yarn: Valley Yarns 5/2 Cotton Stonewash, 100% mercerized cotton, 2100 yards per pound. The Stonewash finish provides a softened, slightly textured appearance that enhances the visual interest of the striped design. Total warp yardage needed is 4 yards of prepared warp.

Weft Yarn: Valley Yarns 5/2 Cotton in Admiral Blue (#2859), 100% mercerized cotton, 2100 yards per pound. Approximately 993 yards of weft yarn is required for the runner and placemats combination. Matching cotton sewing thread is also needed for finishing.

Additional Materials: The pattern specifies 2½ yards of cotton seam binding for finishing edges. A temple is listed as optional but recommended for maintaining consistent width during weaving and preventing edge distortion.

Finishing and Practical Considerations

The runner is designed for easy care and portability—it can be rolled and stored in a picnic basket, making it ideal for outdoor entertaining or travel. The mercerized cotton construction ensures durability and easy laundering, important qualities for table linens that may encounter food and beverage spills. The finished texture from the Velverett Cord weave adds visual interest while remaining practical for everyday use.

Weavers interested in expanding the project can easily adjust yardage by adding additional warp length for four placemats instead of two, with corresponding increases in yarn and binding materials. This flexibility allows crafters to customize the project to their specific needs and desired finished quantity.