Valley Yarns #195 Diamond Wall Hanging

Valley Yarns Diamond Wall Hanging

Project Overview

The Valley Yarns Diamond Wall Hanging is a reversible woven textile designed by Anita Thompson that creates striking geometric diamond patterns through diversified plain weave structure. This versatile piece functions as both a decorative sofa throw and wall art, measuring 51" x 31.75" (excluding fringe) when complete. The subtle color palette and patterned design coordinate with various home décor styles, making it an adaptable addition to any interior space.

Weaving Technique and Structure

Diversified plain weave is the primary technique used to create the distinct diamond patterns in this wall hanging. Plain weave, one of the most fundamental weaving structures, interlaces warp and weft threads in an alternating over-and-under pattern. Diversified plain weave variations produce visual texture and pattern by manipulating this basic structure across multiple shafts, allowing the weaver to create complex geometric designs like the diamonds featured in this project.

This design requires an 8-shaft floor loom that is at least 36" wide, with a heavier loom recommended for optimal results. The weaving setup includes 2 sets of lease sticks, 2 bobbins, 2 shuttles, and a temple to maintain consistent fabric width during weaving.

Warp and Weft Specifications

Warp yarns consist of two materials:

• Valley Yarns 16/2 Linen in Natural (100% linen, 1,320 yards per 8.8 ounces): 1,398 yards
• Valley Yarns Collingwood Rug Wool in Natural (80% wool/20% nylon, 900 yards per pound): 693 yards

Weft yarns include:

• Valley Yarns 16/2 Linen in Half Bleach (100% linen, 1,320 yards per 8.8 ounces): 756 yards
• Valley Yarns Collingwood Rug Wool in Mushroom (80% wool/20% nylon, 900 yards per pound): 377 yards

The warp consists of 697 ends (including 4 doubled floating selvedges) at a sett of 20 ends per inch, threaded 2 per dent in a 10-dent reed. The finished width in reed measures 34.75", with a total warp length of 3 yards. Weaving density is maintained at 18-19 picks per inch.

Heddle Threading

The 8-shaft threading pattern distributes heddles as follows across the shafts:

• Shaft 1: 230 heddles
• Shaft 2: 232 heddles
• Shaft 3: 28 heddles
• Shaft 4: 43 heddles

Material Considerations

The combination of linen and wool creates a textile with distinct characteristics. The 16/2 linen provides structure and a smooth surface, while the Collingwood Rug Wool blend adds warmth and durability. When winding linen for the warp or onto bobbins, it is recommended to position the yarn tube on its side to avoid introducing extra twist into the fiber. A simple suspension method using a shoebox with holes or small crate holding a knitting needle or dowel works effectively for this purpose.

Finished Characteristics

The reversible nature of this wall hanging means both sides display the diamond pattern, offering design flexibility in how the piece is displayed. The interplay between the lighter linen and darker rug wool in the warp, combined with the darker rug wool and lighter linen in the weft, creates the visual contrast necessary for the diamond motifs to emerge clearly. The finished textile is substantial enough for display purposes while remaining suitable for draping over furniture.