Valley Yarns #265 Heirloom Linen Pillowcase

Valley Yarns Heirloom Linen Pillowcase

Project Overview

The Valley Yarns Heirloom Linen Pillowcase is a woven homeware project designed by Anita Thompson that creates two finished pillowcases measuring 20 ⅝" x 26 ¼" each. This design celebrates the natural qualities of linen yarn, pairing the firmness of linen with delicate lace techniques to create a timeless classic suitable as a gift for special occasions. The finished fabric develops enhanced softness and shine with use and age, making these pillowcases heirloom-quality pieces.

Weave Structure and Technique

Huck lace is the primary weaving technique used in this project. Huck lace is a traditional weaving structure that creates distinctive floats—long threads that span across the fabric surface—which are beautifully accentuated by the firm linen yarn. The lace technique produces an elegant, open pattern characteristic of heirloom textiles while maintaining structural integrity in the finished fabric.

Equipment and Loom Requirements

This project requires an 8-shaft loom that is at least 28" wide. Additional equipment includes one shuttle, one bobbin, a temple, a shoe box (used for a specialized yarn management technique), and a knitting needle to suspend the linen tube during winding. Standard sewing supplies including matching cotton thread are needed for finishing the pillowcases.

Yarn Materials

Both warp and weft are made from Valley Yarns 40/2 Linen, a 100% linen yarn available in Half Bleach color. Each tube contains 3300 yards and weighs 8.8 ounces, with a total yardage of 6,000 yards per pound. The project requires approximately 3206 yards of linen for the warp and 2868 yards for the weft. Two tubes of linen are generally sufficient for the project, though purchasing a third tube is recommended if you plan to include sampling.

Warp and Sett Specifications

The warp length is 4 ⅔ yards with 688 ends. The sett (thread density) is 30 epi (ends per inch), achieved by threading a 3-2 pattern in a 12-dent reed. The finished width in the reed is 23", and the fabric is woven at 30.5 ppi (picks per inch).

Linen Yarn Handling Notes

Linen yarn requires special attention during warp and bobbin winding to prevent excessive twist, which can make the yarn difficult to manage. The recommended technique involves suspending the linen tube horizontally so yarn unwinds at a 90-degree angle from the tube. This is accomplished by poking holes in opposite sides of a shoe box, inserting a knitting needle through both holes, and placing the linen tube on the needle so it rotates freely during unwinding.

Valley Yarns linen is processed with intentional slubs—small irregularities in the yarn—that become visually hidden once the fabric is woven. However, any stray knots or particularly large slubs should be cut out during the winding process to ensure optimal finished quality.

Finished Product

This project yields two completed pillowcases, each measuring 20 ⅝" x 26 ¼". The combination of huck lace structure and 100% linen creates a sophisticated, breathable fabric with natural texture that improves with washing and use.