The Diamond Stripe Towel Weave Along is a very popular project that usually runs in January.
My Diamond Stripe Towel pattern has been such a popular seller that many buyers requested a video series as well. I love running weave alongs as they are so much fun and foster a huge amount of enthusiasm.
January is usually the perfect time, after the hustle and bustle of Christmas and New Year’s have died down and weaving folks are looking to settle in with a new project.
This year enrolments will open on January 15th (Australian calendar).
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Let’s go through some questions I know may be springing to mind for you.
So, how will the weave along work?
All participants will need to purchase the pattern to join in. The pattern is available here as a digital download and can be purchased anytime in the lead up to the weave along.
For those who are members of my Online Weaving School, participation in the weave along is free (but the pattern needs to be purchased separately.)
For non members, there will be a small purchase fee of $5USD to join in to the weave along, in addition to the purchase of the pattern.
Can you tell me about the pattern?
The pattern is for weaving two kitchen (tea) towels on one warp. We use two heddles to weave the pattern, and both towels are the same apart from the weft colour. The design is reversible and looks wonderful on both sides.
I find that using bright and strongly contrasting colours works really well and shows up the diamonds beautifully – but of course, as the weaver you can choose whatever colours you wish.
What level of weaver will this project be suitable for?
If you have never woven with two heddles before, I highly recommend that you first go through my Weaving with Two Heddles class. This will give you the knowledge, practice and confidence to leap right into the weave along.
Some weavers will be able to follow the weave along just fine with the videos and the pattern – others may find the introduction of two heddles in a project a bit overwhelming. In the Two Heddles class you weave a sampler and explore all the different things you can achieve with two heddles before you ever commit to a project.
What kind of loom will I need to participate?
You will need a rigid heddle loom with a 20″ weaving width. Yes, you can make skinnier towels on a smaller loom if that is what you’re working with, but obviously they will be a little different to mine.
What other tools will be needed?
As I mentioned, we will be weaving on two heddles. Yes, you can weave these towels on one heddle with heddle rods, but I will not be providing instructions on how to do that.
I have used 2 x 12.5 dent heddles. Yes, you can use 2 x 10 dent if that is what you have, your sett would just be a little looser than mine.
You will need a stick shuttle, threading and reed hook, scissors, etc.
I use a serger and a sewing machine to hem my towels and will be showing how to do this in the weave along. My preference for kitchen towels is to not have a fringe. I understand however, that not everyone has a sewing machine and knows how to use it, so hemstitch with a short fringe is perfectly acceptable.
I only have a 16″ rigid heddle loom. Can I still participate?
Yes! I have provided some helpful instructions to assist those with a smaller loom.
I already have 2 x 10 dent heddles. Do I need to purchase the 12.5 dents to participate?
No. I’m a big fan of using what you have on hand and not making unnecessary purchases. I will be providing some helpful details for adjusting the numbers to suit 10 dent heddles.
What yarns will I need?
The full yarn details and amounts are provided when you purchase the pattern, but you will want to use plant based fibre for kitchen towels. Here are a couple of my favourites for kitchen towels:
Can I weave these towels with 8/4 cotton?
Yes, you can! In fact, in last year’s weave along, I updated the content to include a supplementary section for those who wish to use 8/4 instead of 8/2 cotton.
I highly recommend that you use 12 or 12.5 or even 15 dent heddles, if you have them. I feel that 10 dent heddles would be a bit looser than I would like for this size of cotton.
You can also double 8/2 cotton in the weft if you like. More information on this is available in the class. Here are the yarns I used:
Will there be a deadline for completing the weave along?
Enrolments will be open to non members for several days before closing and commencing the class. Members will be able to access the class permanently, as long as their membership is active.
Once you are enrolled, there is no time limit on completion of the class. It is always fun to weave along with all the other enrolees so you can share progress photos and troubleshoot, but the choice is yours.
So, what if I’m away when the weave along starts, can I still participate?
Yes, you can still participate, but if you are a non member you will need to enrol in the class within that opening window. Members can enrol anytime.
Where will the weave along take place?
At my Online Weaving School. Weaving School members will undergo automatic enrolment and non members will be able to purchase the weave along as a separate class.
If you already have an account with my weaving school, it will be quick and easy for you to join in the weave along. If you don’t have an account, I recommend that you make one (this is free) so that you are ready and familiar with the site when the weave along begins. I also have a short, free class on using the site if you need that extra input.
There is also a weave along community group on Facebook, and the link to join that group is contained within the weave along course.
How will I know when the weave along is released?
You will need to be on my mailing list, where I’ll be giving updates and reminders in during the time leading up to the weave along. If you are already on my mailing list, all you have to do is open my emails when they arrive in your inbox.
If you need to purchase materials for this weave along, I recommend the following suppliers:
I participated in the last weave along, can I join in this one as well?
Absolutely, I would love to have you back! If you have an active membership at the time the Weave Along is running, you can jump in and participate. If you purchased the class as a single purchase when the weave along was last open, you can also just jump back in.
I hope this post has you super excited about joining in to the weave along!
This year there will also be some fun giveaways in the Facebook group 😉
Please do leave any additional questions you may have in the comments sections so that I can address them for you.
Until next time…
Happy Weaving!
Although I participated last year, and had a blast learning, I plan to participate again this year. Last year it was a bit of a struggle with the two handles but I’m sure this year with a little more experience it will be less of a learning curve for me. I’m looking forward to it, Kelly! Thanks so much for doing it again.
Great to hear you’ll be jumping back in, it will all feel more familiar this time around 😉
Kelly, a weave along with you and the rest of these eager weavers will be funderful. I’m off the get the pattern now. See you soon.
– Beth
Great, thanks Beth! 😀
Kelly, do you have similar classes for 4 harness floor loom? I’ve been weaving on 20″knitters loom for a year and not sure I want to invest in a second heddle. Would rather learn how to use my new-to-me floor loom. Your thoughts? Thanks.
Hi Susie,
I have a beginner floor loom class, which you can find here- http://kelly-casanova-weaving-lessons.teachable.com/p/introduction-to-floor-loom-weaving
The class project is a cowl rather than towels though.
Hi Kelly!
First of all I would like to thank you for all the great content 🙂 you really explain things the right way!
I’m a begginer and I was thinking of enroling in the weave along but maybe I do best start by doing your class “weaving with two heddles”. I’ve learned weaving on a floor loom but I have a kromski 40cm and never worked with two rigid heddles.
My biggest doubt at this moment is if I can use two different heddles: a 8 dpi and a 12 dpi, simultaneously, and if so what are the implications?..
Wishing you and all the readers a great 2023, full of light and joy 🙂
Many thanks from Portugal,
Mariana
Hi Mariana,
You do need 2 heddles of the same size, all the slots and holes need to line up and they need to be of the same sett. I definitely recommend that you do the two heddles class, it will make a lot more sense to you then 😊
Thank you so much Kelly!
Being so, which size of heddles do you recomend? Which one is more versatile?.. I’m about to buy them,..
Looking forward to do your class 🙂
It does depend what you are weaving and how fine your yarns are. If you like to weave towels a lot, you will find either 2 x 10 dent heddles or 2 x 12-12.5 dent heddles most useful as you can double 8/2 cotton in these or in the 12-12.5 you can use 8/4 cotton single.
Thank you once more Kelly!
Generaly I’m more inclined to weaving stuff for wearing like scarfs, vests, or textile for making clothes; for winter garments I should be using wool, and for summer cotton 🙂
Would you say the 8 dent is more suitable for this?..
I’m having a hard time converting the density of textiles to the rigid heddle, as I learned to do it on the floor loom,..
Many thanks!
10 dent sounds good for what you want to do, a fingering weight wool is perfect for this size heddle.
I cannot find where you have supplemental info talking about using 8/4Brassard. I also do not see the * noted in step 11 of the weaving sequence. I am wondering if Etsy pointed to an older version??
Rita
Hi Rita,
The supplemental info is in the weave along class, not the PDF pattern. When you see the asterisk, you go back to the start of the weaving sequence, sorry for the confusion.
I only have one 10, but do have 2 7.5. Is it possible to double the warp to participate? Don’t have time to get new 10. I am a member of your class.
The warp is already doubled for this project, but you could weave thicker towels by using a heavier weight of cotton and doubling it in your 7.5 dent heddles.
I am so looking forward to this. I will be using a 12-dent and then a schacht I’m variable dent with extra 12-dent sections, a total of 7 sections. It may not be quite as wide as your pattern but very close. Thank you!
Not long to wait now!
Kelly,
I have a major stash of 6/2 cotton. 2520 yds/lb. How would this pattern convert for this yarn?
I haven’t used this yarn myself, but the size would be appropriate for either 10 or 12-12.5 dent heddles, so you can definitely use it for this pattern.
Kelly,
I have purchased the pattern and am a member of your weaving lessons. I just recently completed the scarf on my ashford table loom. I love it. However I just realized tonight that I do not have two 12 dent heddles for my RH loom. In fact I don’t have a pair of any of them. So I will have to order another one from the woolery. Will this be an issue?
Joyce
Joyce, you could instead opt to weave the towels on your table loom, if you feel confident to do that? I provide the weaving draft in the weave along.
Hi Kelly, I would like to take this class, but am not a member of your weaving school. I don’t weave enough to justify a year long membership. Will a month long membership give me access to this Diamond Stripe Towel Weave Along? I have already purchased the pattern. Thanks.
Judy, you don’t have to be a member to participate, you can enrol for $5 USD when enrolments open tomorrow 😉
Hello again, I am having trouble getting my second heddle – they are back-ordered. If I enroll for $5, what is the window that the course will be available to me? I’m concerned that window might close before I receive my second heddle. And do I understand correctly that I must sign up within this week? If I purchase a monthly membership, will the class be available at any time?
Sorry for all the questions – this is my first class with you.
Thank you,
Judy
Judy, you are certainly not alone, there are others also waiting for supplies to arrive. There is no time limit to completing the weave along, and if you purchase before the week is out you can then begin when it suits you.
If you purchase a monthly membership, the class or classes included in the membership are only available while your membership is active.
You may well find that it suits your purposes better to just purchase the class before enrolments close and then start once you have all your supplies ready 😊
Hi Kelly,
I have purchased the class for $5 as you recommended.Once I have my supplies and start the class, how long will I have access to it?
Thanks,
Judy
Once you’ve purchased, you have permanent access 😊
Rigid heddle loom not Rhonda😊
Hi kelly!! I purchased your pattern and can’t wait to sign up for the class. I have an 8 shaft floor loom and wondered if you could send me the draft for the 4 shaft floor? I plan to do that after I’ve done this weave-along on my 16” rhl. I only have 7.5’s in a pair. Would i go up to like a worsted weight cotton for this? I’m trying to get a 2nd 12.5 before it starts but… Thank you for all you do to share your amazing gifts. You’re very inspiring!!
Hi Lisa,
I include the weaving draft within the weave along as a printable, so you can grab it there for your floor loom 😉
For your 7.5 heddles I would go with a dk/light worsted cotton.
What is the finished size of your towels? I have 2 10-dent reeds for my 15″ Cricket. Trying to decide whether to use that or buy a 2nd reed for my 24″ Ashcroft
Approximately 17 x 20″ hemmed.
Hi Kelly… I am a Gold Star member but don’t see the class in my inventory of classes – will I still get the class via the emails as a member of the Weaving School.
Hi Bethany,
I just checked your account and you definitely have access. You will find it under “Diamond Stripe Towels Weave Along – MEMBERS ONLY”.
Here is a direct link-
http://kelly-casanova-weaving-lessons.teachable.com/p/diamond-stripe-towels-weave-along/?preview=logged_out
Exciting! I did last year’s weave along, and am looking forward to giving it a go again! Any way to get the updated pattern without purchasing the pattern again? Thanks for all your awesome info!
Hi Betsy,
All the new details are in the actual weave along, rather than the original pattern 😊
Hi Kelly
I have the pattern from last year’s class but I would appreciate the draft please.
I enjoyed the towels and learnt a lot but would like to have a go at more towels on the table loom.
All very best wishes to you and your family on this end of year!!
And SO MANY thanks for all your wonderful work!
Elsa
Elsa, there is a draft provided in the weave along class, let me know if you have trouble finding it though.
Thank you for your well wishes, I hope you have a very Merry Christmas!
I have the pattern and am ready to go. However, I find my 12 dent heddle for my Schaact Flip has only 119 slots. So doubling will be 476 ends rather than the 496 stated in the pattern. Is that ok as long as I have an even number of ends?
That will be fine Linda, it’s a very adaptable pattern.
Is there a common start date for the weave along? I have just enrolled in the class as a non-member, and wanted to confirm how long I have to access the course. I had to purchase a second heddle for this project, and looks like it may take a few weeks to arrive at this point. Thank you!
That’s fine Barrie, quite a few who have joined are in the same boat due to the slow shipping times. Once you have purchased the class, you have permanent access. Some people have even purchased so they can complete the class later on at a time that suits them better.
I only have 2 7.5 dent heddles, if I doubled up my warp do you think that would work okay?
The 8/2 yarn is actually already doubled in the 12.5 dent heddles, so to use your 7.5 dents you would need a thicker yarn, which would result in a thick towel. So, yes, you can use your heddles with a thicker yarn, just know that the results would be different 😊
I’m a member of the school and only have 2 heddles in the right size on my smaller 10” loom. Is it worth me joining in to learn and see if I then want to purchase a 2nd heddle on my larger loom?
Sure Liz, you could weave a scarf or some narrow strips to sew together?
I saw where you suggested 5/2 cotton for the 10 dent heddles. I have 5/2 bamboo. Would that be apprppriate to use? Thanks.
Yes, you could Nancy, I’m not sure how suitable you would find the bamboo for towels though – it may be better for items that don’t have to be laundered too often.
Hey Kelly,
I recently got a four shirt floor loom which I’m just learning – would it be possible to adapt this pattern for it?
Thanks
Ann Marie
That’s supposed to be “shaft”!
Yes, the pattern is a 3 shaft twill so is very adaptable to your 4 shaft loom. A lot of weavers purchase the pattern and then ask me the same question – I just send them the weaving draft and they go from there.
I also will be weaving on a four shaft floor loom, and have purchased the pattern. Will you please send me the weaving draft.
Just sent it through to you Margaret 😊
Kelly, I also just got a 4 shaft for Christmas. Would you please send me the draft. I just purchased the RH pattern
Certainly!
Hi I have purchased the pattern but cannot seem to join the weave along class. Can you send me the link please. Also looking got use my 4 shaft table loom. Many thanks
Hi Lynda,
The weave along opens for enrolments tomorrow, if you’re on my mailing list you will receive notification 😊
I’m planning to join in. I am a member of the school, so if I understand correctly, there’s nothing for me to do in order to join other then watch my emails, correct?
Yes, that’s correct, you are automatically enrolled, but you do need to purchase the pattern separately to participate 😉
I’ve never done a weave along. I purchased a pattern and am already a member. Should I start warping and threading ahead of the 12th or am I suppose to wait till the 12th to start?
Jo, if you wait until the 12th you will be able to refer to the videos for as well as the pattern, so it just depends on how confident you feel as to whether you want to wait.
I have very poor eyesight and since my 2 heddles are a 10 could I then use a larger than 8/2? If so what would you recommend?
Barbara, you could use a 5/2 cotton instead – if that would be easier for you to see?
Do these towels come out thick?
Not very thick. They are to be used as kitchen/tea towels so they are not overly thick.
Hi Kelly, I am going to join in the weavealong, have my 40cm rigid heddle and just received the double heddle adaptation and 2 x 10 epi heddles. Will have to do your double heddle class first andsuper keen to get going on that. Your teaching style suits me well and I can’t get enough of rh weaving techniques.
I’m glad to hear you’re joining in Pauline, it’s going to be fun!
I have every intention of weaving along.
Yay!
Will this class have as complicated a setup as your overshot class? I have used two heddles before, but I found the warping for the overshot complex. Well worth it though, since the results were beautiful.
No, certainly not. The pattern is a 3 shaft twill (rather than a 4 shaft like the overshot) with a single colour weft. There are no pick up sticks or heddle rods. Much easier 😊
The link to be on the mailing list for this Weave Along doesn’t seem to be working. It opens it your Newsletter subscription box over a blank page.
Thanks Cynthia, I’ll take a look at it!
can you also do one for the table/floor loom please?
Sorry, not this time – this pattern is written specifically for rigid heddle loom. I’m afraid I just don’t have time to make separate classes for different looms every time 😐
I have no idea what I’m doing half the time but two heddles are on their way to match the other two. Dipping into you Double Heddle class ASAP.
Good for you Tess! 😄
When the link to Maurice Brassard 8/2 cotton was clicked it took me to a page at the Woolery (great site) showing a loom. Mistake? Not a biggie for me but perhaps for others.
Thanks Dennis, I obviously need to check my links! 😄
This sounds like such fun, I can’t wait. Just finishing up your two heddle class so I can be prepared!
Great timing for you then! 😄
Is each video done live so that we can do this in real time if we could? If yes, what time of the day would it take place (so I can translate to Pacific Time…). thank you, Teri
No Teri, they will be pre-recorded. Doing anything live is too difficult because students are all over the world in different time zones – it just doesn’t work. Better for me to record and release the videos for everyone to complete in their own time 😊
Looking forward to it!
🥳
Hi Kelly –
Count on me for the Weave along. I’m very excited to try that papier-mâché and yarn.
Lori
Yay! 🥳