Valley Yarns #53 Baby Blanket in Colonial Double Weave

Valley Yarns Baby Blanket in Colonial Double Weave

Project Overview

This downloadable weaving draft creates a reversible baby blanket using the Colonial Double Weave technique, a sophisticated 4-shaft weaving structure. Designed by Barbara Elkins, the blanket measures approximately 27 inches by 36 inches when finished, making it an ideal size for a baby throw or crib blanket. The Colonial Double Weave method produces a double-layered fabric with pattern on both sides without the characteristic weft floats found in traditional overshot weaving.

Weave Structure and Techniques

The foundation of this project is Colonial Double Weave, a reversible weaving technique that combines the visual appeal of colonial overshot patterns with the structural benefits of double weave. The pattern draft is based on the classic Blooming Leaf design, sourced from A Handweavers Pattern Book by Marguerite Davison (page 133). This traditional pattern is threaded and paralleled in two contrasting colors to create significantly more visual pattern complexity than would be achievable in standard 4-shaft double weave without additional pick-up techniques.

The weaving process uses a direct tie-up system with the sequence: 4 3 2 1 1 2 3 4. Weavers work in two distinct phases: the top layer is woven by lifting a single shaft in the correct pattern order, while the bottom layer is woven by lifting the entire top layer plus half of the bottom layer. This means the top layer requires one shaft lifted per pick, while the bottom layer requires three shafts lifted per pick. The second half of each layer is woven following the same sequence.

Threading and Warp Setup

The threading pattern runs from point A to B for the right border, then from B to C four times for the main pattern repeat, and finally from C to D for the left border. The warp consists of 722 warp ends wound alternately in two colors to create the contrasting effect essential to the design. The warp is set at 24 ends per inch (epi) using a 12 dent reed, creating a balanced and even fabric structure.

Materials and Equipment

This project requires a 4-shaft loom with a minimum weaving width of 30 inches and two shuttles for managing the contrasting weft colors. The yarn specified is Valley Yarns 5/2 Valley Cotton, a medium-weight cotton yarn ideal for baby blankets due to its softness and washability. One cone each of two colors is required for a three-yard warp: color 6277 (deep periwinkle) and color 2166 (porcelain blue). These complementary blue tones create visual contrast while maintaining a cohesive, sophisticated color palette suitable for a baby blanket.

Weaving Considerations

Weavers should check the color order frequently throughout threading to ensure the dark and light colors are correctly positioned in the alternating pattern. The direct tie-up method simplifies the weaving process compared to other double weave approaches, making this an accessible project for weavers with 4-shaft loom experience. The reversible nature of the finished fabric means both sides display the Blooming Leaf pattern, adding functional beauty to the completed blanket.