Valley Yarns #64 Modified Star-Work Dishtowel on 8 Shafts

Valley Yarns Modified Star-Work Dishtowel on 8 Shafts

What Is Being Made

This downloadable weaving pattern produces functional dishtowels using an 8-shaft loom. The design yields two dishtowels per 3-yard warp, with finished dimensions of 19 3/8" by 28 ¾". The pattern is designed by Barbara Elkins and features a modified star-work tie-up adapted from a traditional 16-shaft hearts and star-work design. A 7-yard warp will produce six towels with minimal yarn remaining, making this an efficient project for weavers seeking to maximize yardage.

Weaving Techniques

The Modified Star-Work Dishtowel employs point twill as its primary weaving technique for both threading and treadling sequences. The pattern is woven wrong side up, which the designer notes produces a lighter fabric with superior drape and appearance. The tie-up is modified from a traditional 16-shaft hearts and star-work design, simplified for use on 8-shaft looms while retaining visual complexity and texture. This adaptation demonstrates how classical weaving patterns can be scaled and adjusted for different loom configurations.

Stitches and Structural Details

The threading follows a point twill sequence: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, repeating throughout the warp with floating selvages at each edge. The treadling mirrors the threading with the same point twill progression, creating balanced symmetry in the fabric structure. The tie-up configuration uses all eight shafts in a specific sequence that produces the modified star-work pattern. Weavers begin and end each towel with 1¼" of tabby weave, which serves as a structural foundation and creates finished hems when properly finished.

Materials and Equipment Requirements

This pattern requires Valley Yarns 8/2 Cotton yarn at 3360 yards per pound. The warp uses two colors: 2550 nautical (approximately 1120 yards) and 8001 white (approximately 190 yards). The weft calls for 8001 white (approximately 785 yards for two towels), with an optional finer unmercerized cotton for hems if available. The pattern specifies an 8-shaft loom with a 10-dent reed and minimum weaving width of 24". The sett is 2 threads per dent in a 10-dent reed, creating a width in reed of 21 ¾" with 437 total warp ends including floating selvages. One shuttle and one bobbin are required, with a temple listed as optional equipment.

Stripe Pattern and Color Work

The warping order creates a striped pattern using nautical blue and white. The sequence alternates as follows: 44 ends of blue, 12 ends of white, 12 ends of blue, 239 ends of blue, 12 ends of blue, 12 ends of white, and 44 ends of blue. This arrangement produces balanced striping across the towel width while the nautical blue dominates the central section. The white weft creates additional visual interest through color contrast with the predominantly blue warp.

Finishing and Care

After weaving the required 32" in point twill treadling, towels are separated by approximately ½" of contrasting color yarn. The pattern recommends stay stitching or serging the ends of towels before cutting them apart to prevent fraying. The finished dishtowels should be hand washed gently to preserve the cotton fiber integrity and maintain the fabric's soft texture suitable for kitchen use.