Specifications
| Brand: | Valley Yarns |
| Yarn Weight: | Lace | 2 Ply |
| Designer: | Chris Hammel |
| Craft: | Weaving |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Pages: | 2 |
| Techniques and Construction: | Stripes |
| Pattern Code: | 07 |
| Featured Products: | Valley Yarns 8/2 Cotton Yarn - Cotton Lace |
Product Description
In a color combo that is evocative of long, hot Summer days, these Santa Fe Summer Towels were specially designed for Valley Yarns by designer Chris Hammel. Valley Yarns 8/2 unmercerized cotton is perfect for thirsty, washable kitchen towels, and what could be better than a bright, cheery towel in lively colors!
This 4-shaft draft is easy to thread and weave and will result in an ample kitchen towel. If you would like to increase the length of your warp, you could try different treadling variations for each subsequent towel and create a set for yourself or gifts for family and friends.
Structure: Twill
Equipment: 4-shaft loom, 18" weaving width; 10-dent reed; 1 shuttle; 1 bobbin
Warp Yarns: Valley Yarns 8/2 Cotton (3,360 yd/lb)
Spectra Yellow #1382 - 419 yds
Lollipop #3599 - 360 yds
Weft Yarns: Valley Yarns 8/2 Cotton
Lollipop #3599 - 375 yds
Red cotton sewing thread, 42 yds
Warp Length: 346 ends (includes 2 floating selvedges 2¼ yards long, allows for 4" take-up, 40" loom waste.)
Setts: Warp: 20 epi. (2/dent in a 10-dent reed); Weft: 20 ppi.
Dimensions: Width in reed: 17 2/3"
Woven Length (measured under tension on the loom): 37" includes 2-1" under hems and 2-1" hems
Finished size after washing: 14 7/8" x 28 1/4"
The draft was updated on 11/15/2022. View errata here. If you purchased the PDF version, the newest version is available in your pattern library.
Valley Yarns 40th Anniversary Santa Fe Summer Towels
What is Being Made
The Santa Fe Summer Towels are a set of handwoven kitchen towels designed by Chris Hammel for Valley Yarns. These are practical, absorbent towels featuring bright, cheerful colors inspired by Santa Fe summers. The finished towels measure 14⁷⁄₈" x 28¹⁄₄" after washing and are constructed to be durable, washable, and suitable for everyday kitchen use.
Weaving Structure and Techniques
This project uses a 4-shaft twill weave structure, which creates the characteristic diagonal pattern found in quality kitchen towels. The twill construction provides both visual interest and functional absorbency, making these towels ideal for drying dishes and hands. The weaving draft is described as easy to thread and weave, making it accessible to weavers with intermediate experience. The pattern allows for creative variations in treadling sequences, enabling weavers to create multiple towels with different visual effects from the same warp setup, perfect for making coordinated sets as gifts.
Yarn and Materials
The towels are woven using Valley Yarns 8/2 unmercerized cotton, a yarn specifically chosen for its absorbency and washability in kitchen textiles. The warp consists of two colors: Spectra Yellow (419 yards) and Lollipop red (360 yards), creating the vibrant striped color palette. The weft uses Lollipop red cotton (375 yards), with red cotton sewing thread (42 yards) used for floating selvedges. The unmercerized cotton construction ensures the finished towels will be thirsty and perform well through repeated washing and use.
Equipment and Technical Specifications
This project requires a 4-shaft loom with an 18-inch weaving width capacity. Additional equipment includes a 10-dent reed, one shuttle, and one bobbin. The warp is set at 20 ends per inch (epi) in a 2/dent configuration in the 10-dent reed, with a matching weft density of 20 picks per inch (ppi), creating a balanced weave structure.
Warp and Weaving Specifications
- Total warp ends: 346 ends (including 2 floating selvedges)
- Warp length: 2¼ yards, accounting for 4 inches of take-up and 40 inches of loom waste
- Width in reed: 17²⁄₅ inches
- Woven length on loom: 37 inches, including 2-inch under-hems and 2-inch finished hems
- Finished dimensions after washing: 14⁷⁄₈ inches wide by 28¹⁄₄ inches long
Color and Design Details
The striped pattern combines Spectra Yellow and Lollipop red in the warp, with Lollipop red throughout the weft. Floating selvedges made from fishing line and red cotton sewing thread create finished edges that prevent raveling and add a professional appearance to the completed towels. The color combination evokes the warm, vibrant aesthetic of Santa Fe summers.
Finishing Process
After weaving, the towels are finished with a traditional hemming technique. The under-hem is folded to the wrong side and pressed, then folded again to create a ¾-inch finished hem, which is pressed and pinned in place. The trimmed edges are secured with stay-stitching, and the towels are steamed and pressed to set the final dimensions and ensure proper drape and absorbency.
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