Valley Yarns #90 Holiday Runners

Valley Yarns Holiday Runners – Handwoven Table Linens

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Holiday Runners are handwoven table linens designed to celebrate the festive season. This downloadable weaving draft produces two complete runners plus two coordinating mats from a single warp setup. Each finished runner measures 16 1/4" x 50" after washing and hemming, making them ideal for adorning dining tables during holiday gatherings. The pattern is designed by Barbara Elkins and allows weavers to create matching sets—one to keep and one to gift to friends and family.

Techniques Used

These holiday runners are created using striped weaving techniques on a 4-shaft loom. The stripe pattern is achieved through careful color placement in the warp and weft, creating festive visual interest. The draft specifies a sett of 20 epi (ends per inch), which determines the density and drape of the finished fabric. The weaving process is described as quick and easy, making this project accessible to weavers with basic 4-shaft loom experience. The design incorporates floating selvedges for clean, finished edges.

Stitches and Weave Structure

While the PDF content does not specify the exact weave structure (such as plain weave, twill, or satin), the project utilizes a 4-shaft loom configuration. The warp is threaded at 20 epi using various reed options: 2/dent in a 10-dent reed, 2-3 in an 8-dent reed, or 1-2-2 in a 12-dent reed. This flexibility allows weavers to adapt the pattern to their available equipment. The draft includes 377 ends across a 19" width in the reed, with 2 floating selvedges for structural integrity and finished appearance.

Materials – Yarns and Equipment

Warp and Weft Yarns: The primary yarn is Valley Cotton 5/2, a 100% mercerized cotton with yardage of 2100 yards per pound, chosen for its durability and lustrous finish suitable for table linens. Accent yarns include Plymouth Gold Rush, a luxury blend of 80% rayon and 20% nylon that adds sparkle and sheen to the finished runners.

Sapphire and White Color Option: This festive combination uses Valley Cotton 5/2 in Sapphire Blue (#2655, 665 yds), Heather (#2574, 900 yds), and White (#8001, 260 yds) for the warp, with Plymouth Gold Rush Silver (#5, 60 yds) for accent. White Valley Cotton 5/2 (1270 yds) and white cotton sewing thread (approximately 20 yds) comprise the weft.

Red and Green Color Option: The traditional holiday palette features Valley Cotton 5/2 in Red (#3611, 815 yds), Pine Green (#5398, 750 yds), and White (#8001, 260 yds) for the warp, with Plymouth Gold Rush White (#10, 60 yds) for sparkle. White Valley Cotton 5/2 (1585 yds) and white cotton sewing thread (approximately 40 yds) form the weft.

Equipment Required: Weavers need a 4-shaft loom with a minimum width of 20 inches, a reed, 1 shuttle, 1 bobbin, and optionally a temple to maintain consistent width during weaving. The total warp length is 5 yards of 377 ends, which includes provisions for two floating selvedges.

Project Yield and Finished Dimensions

A single draft produces two table runners measuring 16 1/4" x 50" each after washing and hemming, plus two coordinating Santa Mats measuring 16 1/4" x 11 1/2". This efficient use of materials makes the project economical while providing multiple pieces for holiday entertaining or gift-giving.