Valley Yarns #81 Labyrinth Lap Robe

Valley Yarns Labyrinth Lap Robe: Deflected Double Weave Throw

What Is Being Made

The Labyrinth Lap Robe (Draft #81) is a woven throw blanket designed by Elisabeth Hill, created on an 8-shaft loom. This lap robe is a medium-sized blanket suitable for draping over furniture or wrapping around yourself, measuring approximately 33.8 inches wide with a finished length that accommodates a 10-inch fringe on each end.

Weaving Structure and Technique

Deflected double weave is the primary structural technique used in this project. This advanced weaving structure is prized for its ability to showcase bold design while allowing yarns to display their full visual and tactile qualities. The abundance of floats inherent in deflected double weave construction contributes to the softness and warmth of the finished textile, making the wool even more luxurious to the touch.

The design features striped color work created through strategic color placement in both the warp and weft. The color order chart guides weavers through three distinct colors—Lava (black), Charcoal (grey), and Sagebrush (sage green)—to build the striped pattern across the width of the piece. The interplay of these rich, deep tones adds dimension and visual interest to the throw.

Loom Setup and Equipment

This project requires an 8-shaft loom with a minimum width of 36 inches to accommodate the full width of the warp. Weavers will need a 10-dent reed, which is threaded at 2 dents per end for a sett of 20 ends per inch (epi). The loom is dressed with 676 ends of yarn measuring 3 yards in length. Additional equipment includes 2 to 3 shuttles and 3 bobbins—one for each weft color—to manage color changes during weaving.

Yarn Materials and Yardage

The Labyrinth Lap Robe is woven entirely with 2/8 Wool Jaggerspun Heather, a 2-ply wool yarn with a yardage of 2240 yards per pound (or 498 yards per 100g skein). This yarn choice contributes the rich coloration and warmth characteristic of the finished piece.

Warp yarn requirements:

• Lava (black): 1020 yards
• Charcoal (grey): 792 yards
• Sagebrush: 216 yards

Weft yarn requirements:

• Lava (black): 692 yards
• Charcoal (grey): 544 yards
• Sagebrush: 147 yards

Total yarn needed (combining warp and weft):

• Lava: 4 skeins
• Charcoal: 3 skeins
• Sagebrush: 1 skein

Note: Sagebrush is no longer carried by the distributor WEBS. Recommended substitutes include Edelweiss or Hickory in a similar weight and yardage.

Weaving Process

The weaving process begins by winding 676 ends of yarn at 3 yards long, following the provided warp color order chart. The loom is then dressed using the weaver's preferred method, with careful attention paid to threading according to the threading draft while matching colors and blocks to prevent errors. The 10-dent reed is sleyed at 2 dents per end, centering the warp for a finished width of 33.8 inches.

Before beginning to weave, weavers must allow sufficient yarn length for either a 10-inch fringe or insert spacers to accommodate the fringe at both ends. Three bobbins are wound—one for each of the three weft colors—and weaving proceeds following the treadling draft provided in the pattern. Color changes in the weft are managed through two different methods, with video demonstrations available to guide weavers through the process.

Design Inspiration

The designer notes that deflected double weave is favored for its ability to let yarns truly shine. The rich, deep tones of Jaggerspun Heather in this particular colorway create visual depth, while alternative color combinations are suggested for inspiration—such as