Valley Yarns #294 Happy Feet Bath Mat

Valley Yarns Happy Feet Bath Mat: Rigid Heddle Weaving Project

What Is Being Made

The Happy Feet Bath Mat is a soft, plush bath rug designed for use on a rigid heddle loom. This project creates a finished textile measuring 20.25" x 28", offering a luxurious "dig your toes in" experience underfoot. The design demonstrates how rigid heddle looms, traditionally used for tea towels and scarves, can be creatively adapted to produce functional home décor rugs with dimensional texture and visual interest.

Weaving Techniques

This project employs lace weaving techniques through a variation of the Double Window Pane weave structure, as referenced from Jane Patrick's The Weaver's Idea Book. The designer, Tammy Bast of The Rogue Weaver, combines warp and weft floats to create dimensionality and texture in the finished piece. The use of floats—where yarn passes over multiple threads rather than interlocking with each one—produces the characteristic plush surface quality.

A key technical consideration for this project is the higher than normal sett (thread density), which requires careful attention during weaving. Weavers must ensure the shed clears properly and may need to use the shuttle to help clear the shed as it passes through. Maintaining consistent, high tension throughout the weaving process is essential for success with this sett density. The smooth cotton yarn used helps prevent sticking, though individual threads may occasionally need assistance passing by neighboring threads.

Stitches and Weave Structure

The primary weave structure is a variation of Double Window Pane, also known as waffle weave. This structure traditionally uses a single pick-up stick; however, this pattern incorporates two pick-up sticks to achieve the desired dimensional effects. The pattern notes that a plain weave border is possible, offering design flexibility for customization.

Materials and Equipment

Warp Yarn: Tahki Yarns Hatteras (100% Organic Cotton, 109 yards per hank), color #4 Seafoam, requiring 349 yards total.

Weft Yarn: The pattern calls for two types of cotton weft. Primary weft uses Tahki Yarns Hatteras in the same #4 Seafoam (158 yards), combined with Maysville 8/4 Cotton Carpet Warp (100% cotton, 800 yards per tube), color #47 Duck (25 yards). Note that Maysville 8/4 Cotton is no longer carried by WEBS; Valley Yarns 3/2 Cotton in a coordinating color is recommended as a suitable substitute.

Equipment Required: A rigid heddle loom at least 25 inches wide, two shuttles, two pick-up sticks, and a darning needle for finishing.

Specifications: The warp is set at 8 ends per inch (epi) by 6.5 picks per inch (ppi), with a reed width of 24.5 inches. The total warp length needed is 64 inches of 196 ends. These specifications create the dense sett that produces the rug's characteristic texture and durability.

The organic cotton yarns selected for this project provide softness and absorbency ideal for a bath mat, while the higher thread density ensures the finished rug maintains its shape and plush quality through regular use and washing.