Subscriber Bonus: Two Scarves in Basketweave

What do you do when you’re relatively new to rigid-heddle weaving but want to weave a fabric with a finer thread? A double-heddle setup is often not an option for those just starting out, but there is another way to weave with finer threads on the rigid-heddle: basketweave.

In basketweave, both the warp and weft are used double. In other words, when you’re warping, you’ll sley two threads together as one end through each slot and hole. Similarly, when you’re winding the weft on the shuttle, you’ll want to wind two as one. So, if you want to weave with a yarn that would normally be sett at 24 ends per inch singly, you can use basketweave and sett it at 12 ends per inch instead. Have a thread that’s even finer? Try tripling your warp and weft instead of doubling it.

Basketweave is a great way for beginners to expand their weaving. It’s plain weave and doesn’t require any special equipment or tools.

Either way, the result is a fabric that is beautifully drapey without being sleazy. Basketweave is simple to weave—it’s just plain weave—although there are a few tricks when it comes to maintaining even tension in the warp and winding two threads as one on a shuttle.

If you’re curious about trying basketweave for yourself but don’t know where to start, we’ve got a free subscriber-exclusive project for two basketweave scarves, one featuring singles and the other a fine, 20/2 wool. (Not a subscriber yet? Learn more about it here.) These beautiful scarves by Liz Gipson are luxurious and light, perfect for the chilly autumn weather soon to come. Whether you weave the projects as written or use them to design your own scarves from stash yarns, I hope you have fun!

Happy Weaving,

Christina