Valley Yarns #211 Perfectly Plaid Poncho

Valley Yarns Perfectly Plaid Poncho

What is Being Made

The Perfectly Plaid Poncho is a woven shoulder wrap designed by Wendy Bestor. This garment measures 19.5" x 68" when finished and hemmed, making it the ideal size for providing warmth to the shoulders while maintaining better stability than a traditional shawl. The poncho features a sophisticated plaid pattern created through strategic color placement in both warp and weft yarns, resulting in a visually striking striped and color-blocked design.

Weave Structure and Techniques

This project uses a twill weave structure as the foundation for the poncho, which creates a fabric with diagonal lines and enhanced drape. The design incorporates striped patterning achieved through careful color sequencing in both the warp and weft. The color arrangement follows a specific warp color order that repeats in sections, with Brick Red, Red Wine Heather, and Ecru yarns positioned strategically to build the plaid effect. The treadling draft guides the weaver through the pattern sequence, alternating between colors to develop the characteristic plaid appearance.

Equipment Required

Weavers will need a 4-shaft loom with a minimum weaving width of 26 inches. The loom setup includes 1 shuttle and 3 bobbins for managing the different yarn colors during weaving. Additional finishing hardware consists of 6 buttons and button loops for closure. A 12-dent reed is used for threading, with a sett of 16 ends per inch (epi) and 16 picks per inch (ppi), achieved through a 1-1-2 threading pattern in the reed.

Yarns and Materials

The Perfectly Plaid Poncho is crafted entirely from Valley Yarns 2/10 Merino Tencel, also known as Colrain Lace. This yarn is a premium blend of 50% Merino wool and 50% Tencel, offering both warmth and a luxuriously soft hand. The yarn is sold on 8.8 oz cones with 1,540 yards per cone and features a yardage rate of 2,800 yards per pound.

Warp Yarn Requirements:

• Red Wine Heather: 1,053 yards
• Ecru: 108 yards
• Brick Red: 36 yards

Weft Yarn Requirements:

• Brick Red: 584 yards
• Red Wine Heather: 105 yards
• Ecru: 194 yards

The warp is wound to a length of 3 yards with 399 total ends, including 2 floating selvedges for finished edges. The finished weaving width in the reed is 24.9 inches.

Yarn Characteristics and Benefits

Valley Yarns Colrain Lace is celebrated for being incredibly soft and cushy, providing a delightful tactile experience against the skin. The Merino wool component contributes natural warmth and elasticity, while the Tencel adds breathability and a subtle sheen. This fiber blend makes the poncho suitable for layering on cool days without excessive bulk, and the yarn's inherent qualities ensure the finished garment will be comfortable for extended wear.

Design Features

The poncho incorporates functional design elements including button closures and button loops for secure fastening. The hemmed edges provide a finished appearance and help prevent fraying. The plaid pattern is achieved through the interplay of three coordinating colorways—Red Wine Heather, Brick Red, and Ecru—woven in both the warp and weft to create visual interest and depth.