Valley Yarns #234 Queen of Diamonds Scarf

Valley Yarns Queen of Diamonds Scarf

What is Being Made

The Queen of Diamonds Scarf is a woven scarf featuring an elegant diamond pattern created through Huck Lace weaving. This reversible design showcases a sophisticated interplay between warp and weft, where one side of the finished scarf displays diamonds outlined by warp floats while the reverse side reveals a complementary "shadow" effect created by weft floats. The finished scarf measures 9.5 inches wide by 55.5 inches long, excluding fringe, making it a versatile accessory suitable for various styling occasions.

Weaving Techniques

This project employs Huck Lace as its primary weaving structure, a technique that creates dimensional patterning through the strategic use of floats. The design utilizes striping through the combination of two distinct yarn colors—one for the warp and another for the weft—to enhance the visual contrast and depth of the diamond motif. The weaver begins with plain weave sections at the beginning and end of the scarf to provide stability, then transitions into the Huck Lace pattern for the main design area. This combination of plain weave and Huck Lace creates both structural integrity and visual interest.

Weaving Equipment and Setup

The Queen of Diamonds Scarf requires an 8-shaft loom with a minimum weaving width of 16 inches. The loom is dressed with a 3-yard warp containing 198 ends, set at 16 ends per inch (epi) using a 2/dent threading in an 8-dent reed. The weaving width in the reed measures 12.375 inches. The project uses one shuttle and one bobbin for weaving the weft. A sett of 15 picks per inch (ppi) maintains consistent fabric density throughout the weaving process.

Yarns and Materials

This scarf is designed to showcase the beautiful properties of Valley Yarns 5/2 Bamboo, a yarn composed of 100% rayon from bamboo with a yardage of 2100 yards per pound. The yarn is sold on approximately 1.25-pound cones. Two colorways are used: Ecru for the warp (594 yards required) and Salmon for the weft (397 yards required). The bamboo fiber provides a luxurious sheen and excellent drape that enhances the delicate appearance of the Huck Lace diamond pattern.

Weaving Process

The weaving sequence begins with dressing the loom using a preferred method while following the threading draft provided. The weaver must center the warp for a 12.375-inch weaving width and verify heddle counts in advance, as shafts 1 and 2 require the majority of heddles. Once the loom is dressed, weaving begins with filler yarn to spread the warp evenly. The weaver reserves at least 7 inches of warp for fringe by adding spacers.

The actual weaving pattern follows this sequence:

• 14 picks of plain weave using Salmon weft and treadles 1 and 2
• Approximately 65 inches of Huck Lace pattern following the provided treadling draft, maintaining a consistent beat of 15 picks per inch
• Balance weave to complete the pattern repeat
• 14 picks of plain weave to finish
• Final picks of scrap yarn to secure the weft

The completed scarf measures approximately 70 inches on the loom before finishing. The plain weave sections at the beginning and end provide structural support while the central Huck Lace section creates the distinctive reversible diamond design that gives this scarf its visual appeal and name.