Valley Yarns #221 Très Chic Runner

Valley Yarns Très Chic Runner: Woven Homeware Design

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Très Chic Runner is a handwoven table runner designed by Anita Thompson. This finished piece measures 43.25" x 13.25" and is created using a Summer & Winter weave structure on a 4-shaft loom. The runner features neutral colorways—Half Bleach and Natural linen combined with white cotton—making it versatile for coordinating with various interior design styles.

Weaving Technique

This project employs the Summer & Winter weave structure, a classic technique that creates visual interest through pattern variation while maintaining structural integrity. The weave combines two distinct components: a 16 picks-per-inch (ppi) pattern section and a 16 ppi tabby (plain weave) section, totaling 32 ppi overall. This combination produces a runner with excellent weight distribution and a beautiful natural sheen characteristic of the fiber blend used.

The runner is woven on a 4-shaft loom with a minimum weaving width of 18 inches. The warp is threaded according to a specific threading draft, centered for a final weaving width of 15.2" in the reed. Weavers use two shuttles and three bobbins during the weaving process, with one bobbin wound with sewing thread for inner hems, one with Half Bleach linen, and one with white cotton.

Stitches and Pattern Details

The pattern utilizes striped colorwork achieved through the warp color order. The warp consists of 243 ends total (including 2 floating selvedges) arranged in a specific color sequence using Half Bleach linen (418 yards) and Natural linen (190 yards). The weft incorporates both Half Bleach linen (372 yards) and Valley Cotton 3/2 in white (368 yards), creating subtle color variation and tonal interest throughout the finished piece.

The sett is 16 ends per inch (epi), achieved by threading 2 threads per dent in an 8-dent reed. This density, combined with the 32 ppi structure, creates a balanced, durable weave suitable for a functional table runner that will maintain its shape and appearance through regular use.

Materials: Yarns and Equipment

Warp Yarns: The project uses Valley Yarns 16/2 Linen, which is 100% linen at 1320 yards per 8.8 oz tube. Two colorways are required: Half Bleach (418 yards) and Natural (190 yards).

Weft Yarns: Two different yarns create the weft. Valley Yarns 16/2 Linen in Half Bleach (372 yards) is combined with Valley Yarns Valley Cotton 3/2, a 100% Mercerized Cotton available at 1260 yards per pound on 1 lb cones, in #8001 White (368 yards needed).

Equipment Required: Weavers need a 4-shaft loom with minimum 18" weaving width, 3 bobbins, 2 shuttles, an 8-dent reed, and white or ivory sewing thread for finishing inner hems. The warp length is 2.5 yards of 243 ends.

The linen ground combined with 3/2 cotton creates a fiber blend that produces both weight and sheen, resulting in a professional-quality finished runner suitable for everyday use or display.