Valley Yarns #208 Sandy Shore Pillows

Valley Yarns Sandy Shore Pillows Weaving Pattern

Project Overview

The Sandy Shore Pillows is a weaving project designed by Anita Thompson that creates two decorative pillow covers, each measuring 18.5" x 18.5". This homeware project combines soft, coastal-inspired colors with sophisticated twill weaving structures to produce relaxing, seashore-themed textiles suitable for 20" pillow forms.

Weave Structure and Techniques

This pattern employs Point Twill and Advancing Twill weave structures, creating an undulating visual effect that evokes the peaceful aesthetic of a day by the shore. The combination of these twill variations produces subtle texture and movement across the fabric surface. The weaving techniques used in this draft draw inspiration from established weaving resources, including patterns from Handweaving.net and Carol Strickler's A Weaver's Book of 8-Shaft Patterns.

Equipment Requirements

This project requires an 8-shaft loom with a minimum weaving width of 24". Additional equipment includes 1 shuttle, 1 bobbin, and a 15-dent reed for proper yarn spacing.

Yarn Materials and Specifications

Warp Yarns

The warp is composed of Brassard 8/2 Cottolin, a blend of 60% organic cotton and 40% linen. This yarn is available in four coordinating colors that create the soft, coastal palette:

• #0100 Natural – 840 yards
• #0913 Beige – 396 yards
• #0756 Bleu Pale (pale blue) – 368 yards
• #0415 Gris Pale (pale gray) – 296 yards

The Brassard 8/2 Cottolin yields 3360 yards per pound, with 1680 yards per tube. A total warp length of 4 yards containing 475 ends (including 2 floating selvedges) is required to weave both pillow covers.

Weft Yarn

The weft is Valley Yarns 16/2 Linen, a 100% linen yarn in Half Bleach (#74448), requiring 1480 yards. This yarn provides 1320 yards per tube. The use of pure linen for the weft complements the cottolin warp, creating a balanced, breathable fabric ideal for pillow covers.

Sett and Finished Dimensions

The pattern is set at 22.5 ends per inch (epi) using a 15-dent reed with 1-2 threads per dent. The width in reed measures 21.1", producing finished pillow covers of 18.5" x 18.5" after completing two weaving lengths of 51" each.

Warp Color Order

The warp follows a specific color sequence that creates visual interest across the fabric width. The threading incorporates the four Brassard Cottolin colors in a structured pattern, with Natural and Beige forming the outer sections, while Gris Pale and Bleu Pale create the central design area. This color arrangement enhances the undulating twill effect and contributes to the serene, seashore-inspired aesthetic.

Loom Setup and Threading

Weavers should wind the 4-yard warp using the specified color order and dress the loom using their preferred method. Threading follows the provided threading draft, centered for the 21.1" weaving width. After tying onto the front apron rod, the warp should be spread with several picks of scrap yarn in plain weave using treadles 9 and 10 to ensure even tension.

Special Note on Linen Handling: When winding linen onto a bobbin, the tube should be positioned on its side to prevent adding unwanted twist. A shoe box with holes poked in the side or a small crate can suspend the tube on a knitting needle or pencil for optimal winding.

Design Inspiration

The soft color palette combined with the undulating twill structure creates a fabric that evokes the peaceful, relaxing atmosphere of a day spent by the sandy shore. The interplay of the four muted tones—Natural, Beige, Bleu Pale, and Gris Pale—produces a harmonious, coastal aesthetic suitable for contemporary home décor.