Valley Yarns 40th Anniversary 03 Ribbon Towels

Valley Yarns 40th Anniversary Ribbon Towels

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns 40th Anniversary Ribbon Towels pattern produces two coordinated woven towels in a single project, each measuring 17⅜" x 31½" after finishing. Designed by Carol Birtwistle, this homeware weaving project is intended to yield one towel for personal use and one suitable for gifting. The pattern encourages weavers to customize the second towel by designing their own treadling sequence while maintaining the established warp structure.

Techniques and Structure

These towels are woven using a twill medley structure, which creates visual interest through varied diagonal patterns. The project utilizes a 4-shaft loom with a 21-inch weaving width, allowing weavers to explore different treadling options to modify the appearance of the second towel. The weaving technique incorporates striped patterns created through the strategic color arrangement in the warp.

The construction method includes plain weave borders at both ends of each towel. Weavers begin and conclude with ½ inch of plain weave using sewing thread, which creates a functional hem allowance. The main body of the towel is woven according to the provided draft using natural-colored 8/2 cotton. After removal from the loom, towel ends are secured using machine stitching with either a straight or zigzag stitch, and hems are finished by hand after the towels are washed and dried.

Stitches and Weaving Specifications

The pattern employs standard weaving terminology and specifications:

• Warp sett: 24 ends per inch (epi), achieved by threading 2 ends per dent in a 12-dent reed with 1 end in the last dent
• Weft sett: Approximately 24 picks per inch (ppi)
• Warp length: 3 yards, comprising 491 ends plus 2 floating selvedges for a total of 493 ends
• Weaving width in reed: 20½ inches
• Main weave length: 37 inches of patterned twill

Materials: Yarns, Needles, and Equipment

This project uses Valley Yarns 8/2 unmercerized cotton, a yarn specifically chosen for its forgiving nature, beautiful color palette, and superior absorbency—essential qualities for quality towels. The unmercerized cotton measures 3,360 yards per pound.

Warp yarn colors and quantities:

• Mosstone: 165 yards
• Natural: 648 yards
• Nautical blue: 264 yards
• Petunia: 396 yards

Weft yarn: Natural 8/2 unmercerized cotton totaling 1,112 yards, supplemented by natural or white sewing thread for the plain weave hem borders.

Equipment required: A 4-shaft loom with a minimum 21-inch weaving width, a 12-dent reed, 1 shuttle, and 1 bobbin. Additional items include a narrow spool for the sewing thread (which can serve as a second bobbin if space permits) and standard finishing tools such as a sewing machine for securing warp ends and hand-sewing supplies for hemming.

After weaving, the towels are finished by washing in warm water with soap, drying, and pressing if necessary. The plain weave borders are turned under twice to conceal the sewing thread hem, then hand-stitched in place for a professional appearance.