Specifications
| Brand: | Valley Yarns |
| Designer: | Anita Thompson |
| Craft: | Weaving |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Pages: | 6 |
| Finished Size: | 20-23" x 27.5-40.5" |
| Techniques and Construction: | Stripes |
| Pattern Code: | 280 |
Product Description
Want a cozy wrap to snuggle up in on a chilly day? This topper is one you’ll reach for again and again, due to the softness of our Valley Yarns 2/10 Merino Tencel. Woven in one long length and cut into four panels, the construction is minimal and allows the beautiful woven fabric to speak for itself.
Weave Structure: Modified Linked Birdseye (Twill)
Equipment: 8-shaft loom at least 25” wide (for size S/XL) or 30” wide (for size 2X/3X), 1 shuttle, 1 bobbin, “Any Time Topper” pattern by Amy Barickman (available at Missouri Star Quilt Co.) ,½” hem tape (designer used Wrights Soft & Easy), usual sewing supplies.
Sett: 16 epi (2 per dent in an 8-dent reed), 17-18 ppi
Yarn Requirements: Note that these yarn requirements are for the size S/XL. Additional yarn requirements for the 2X/3X size are included in the full draft.
Warp Yarn: Valley Yarns 2/10 Merino Tencel (50% Merino Wool/50% Tencel, 2800 yds/lb, 1540 yds/cone)
Ecru 903 yds (S), 1045 yds (M), 1188 yds (L)
Fawn 542 yds (S), 627 yds (M), 713 yds (L)
Gold 285 yds (S), 330 yds (M), 375 yds (L)
Weft Yarn: Valley Yarns 2/10 Merino Tencel (50% Merino Wool/50% Tencel, 2800 yds/lb, 1540 yds/cone)
Ecru 1694 yds (S), 1936 yds (M), 2275 yds (L)
Warp Length:
Short Length 4 ¾ yds, Medium Length 5 ½ yds, Long Length 6 ¼ yds of 364 ends. Includes 4 floating selvedges.
Width in reed: 22 ⅝” (S/XL), 25 ¾” (2X/3X)
Valley Yarns Cozy Topper: Handwoven Striped Poncho
What Is Being Made
The Valley Yarns Cozy Topper is a versatile handwoven poncho or capelet designed by Anita Thompson. This garment is constructed from a single continuous length of woven fabric that is cut into four panels and sewn together to create a finished topper. The pattern is available in three length options: Short (27½"), Medium (33½"), and Long (40½"), making it adaptable for various sizing needs from S/XL through 3X. The design was inspired by a Missouri Star Quilting Co. concept and reimagined specifically for handwoven textiles.
Weaving Structure and Techniques
This project employs a Modified Linked Birdseye Twill weave structure, which creates visual interest through its textured pattern. The weaving technique features horizontal stripes created through strategic color changes in both the warp and weft yarns. The striped design combines three coordinating colors—Ecru, Fawn, and Gold—to produce a sophisticated, multi-tonal appearance.
The weave is set at 16 epi (ends per inch), achieved by threading 2 threads per dent in an 8-dent reed. The weft is beaten at 17–18 ppi (picks per inch), creating a balanced, stable fabric suitable for a garment. The structure produces a fabric inspired by techniques from a Marjorie Thompson workshop, resulting in a handwoven Merino/Tencel blend with excellent drape and wearability.
Equipment and Loom Requirements
This pattern requires an 8-shaft loom with a minimum width of 25 inches for sizes S/XL or 30 inches for sizes 2X/3X. Additional equipment includes one shuttle, one bobbin, an 8-dent reed, and ½-inch hem tape (the pattern specifies Wrights Soft & Easy brand). Weavers will also need the "Any Time Topper" sewing pattern by Amy Barickman, available through Missouri Star Quilt Co., along with standard sewing supplies for finishing.
Yarns and Materials
The Cozy Topper is woven entirely with Valley Yarns 2/10 Merino Tencel, a premium blend of 50% Merino Wool and 50% Tencel that combines warmth, breathability, and elegant drape. This yarn is available at 2800 yards per pound, with each cone containing 1540 yards.
Warp yarn requirements vary by length:
- Short Length: Ecru 903 yards, Fawn 542 yards, Gold 285 yards
- Medium Length: Ecru 1045 yards, Fawn 627 yards, Gold 330 yards
- Long Length: Ecru 1188 yards, Fawn 713 yards, Gold 375 yards
Weft yarn requirements (Ecru only):
- Short Length: 1694 yards
- Medium Length: 1936 yards
- Long Length: 2275 yards
For Short Length projects, weavers need one cone each of Fawn and Gold and two cones of Ecru. For Medium and Long Length projects, one cone each of Fawn and Gold and three cones of Ecru are required. The warp length ranges from 4¾ yards for Short Length to 5½ yards for longer versions.
Construction and Finishing
The construction method is notably efficient: rather than weaving separate panels, weavers create one continuous length of fabric and cut it into four panels. This approach minimizes waste and simplifies the weaving process. Finishing involves minimal cutting—only the hem requires trimming after the panels are sewn together. The pattern includes modified sewing instructions specifically designed to accommodate the structure and beauty of handwoven Merino/Tencel fabric, with hem tape used to secure and finish the edges professionally.
The pattern designer recommends that weavers first make a practice Topper using commercial fabric to determine the appropriate size and finished length before committing to the handwoven version.
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