Valley Yarns #275 Precious Gems Towels

Valley Yarns Precious Gems Towels

What is Being Made

The Precious Gems Towels are a set of two woven dish towels designed by Sue Anne Sullivan. Each finished towel measures 19.5" x 28.25" (excluding hems) and is crafted using a classic weaving structure that produces a textured, highly absorbent fabric ideal for kitchen use. The towels showcase the rich jewel-tone colors of Valley Yarns 8/2 Variegated Cotton in colorways including Malachite, Rainbow Opal, Amethyst, and Garnet.

Weave Structure and Techniques

These towels are woven using the M's and O's block weave, a classic weaving structure known for creating textured surfaces with excellent functionality. The M's and O's technique is explored through multiple color combinations to showcase the variegated cotton's glowing jewel tones. This weave structure, combined with unmercerized cotton, produces a pleasing texture and superior drying capabilities that make these towels particularly practical for everyday kitchen use.

The project employs striped patterning through strategic color placement in both the warp and weft. The warp features a carefully planned color order incorporating Malachite as the primary color (1148 yards), with accent colors of Rainbow Opal (392 yards), Amethyst (231 yards), and Garnet (112 yards). The weft uses Amethyst (866 yards) and Garnet (132 yards) to create additional visual interest and depth.

Technical Specifications

Equipment Required: A 4-shaft loom at least 24" wide, 1-2 shuttles, 2 bobbins, contrasting sewing thread, and matching sewing thread.

Yarn Details: Valley Yarns 8/2 Variegated Cotton is used for both warp and weft. This yarn is 100% unmercerized cotton with a yardage of 3360 yards per pound and is sold on 1 pound cones. The unmercerized cotton construction is essential to the towel's textured surface and absorbent properties.

Loom Setup: The project requires a warp of 3.5 yards with 536 ends, plus 2 floating selvedges for finished edges. The sett is 24 epi (ends per inch), achieved by threading 2 threads per dent in a 12-dent reed. The width in reed is 22.4", and the finished towels measure 19.5" wide.

Weaving Process

The weaving begins with winding the warp according to the provided Warp Color Order chart, with floating selvedges wound separately in Amethyst. After dressing the loom and centering for the 22.4" weaving width, the warp is threaded according to the included Threading Draft. Floating selvedges are sleyed in their own dent on each side of the warp and weighted off the back beam for stability.

The weaver uses scrap yarn while treadling plain weave (treadles 1 and 2) to spread the warp and create a secure beginning edge before proceeding with the M's and O's pattern. This preparation ensures even tension and a professional finish on the completed towels.

Materials Summary

• Yarn: Valley Yarns 8/2 Variegated Cotton (100% unmercerized cotton)
• Warp colors: Malachite, Rainbow Opal, Amethyst, Garnet
• Weft colors: Amethyst, Garnet
• Loom: 4-shaft loom, minimum 24" width
• Reed: 12-dent reed for 24 epi sett

This pattern is for personal use only and is distributed by WEBS. Draft #275 is available through Valley Yarns.