I’ve owned my 8-shaft weaving loom for just over a year, but it’s only recently that I’ve started weaving projects that require “more than four, such as 8-shaft weaving loom projects.” Honestly, I could probably have woven nothing but 4-shaft projects for the rest of my weaving life and been perfectly happy. However, as I work for a weaving magazine, I figured it would probably be best to take the leap and dust off my neglected shafts 5 through 8.
After my first 8-shaft project, I fell in love. Robyn Spady recently explained to me that you can weave every structure except for loom-controlled satin on a 4-shaft loom. But you have much greater design possibilities on an 8-shaft loom. After weaving my first few projects, I am completely hooked on 8-shaft weaving. I can’t wait to get my current 8-shaft project on the loom so I can warp up the next.
In honor of the amazing, versatile 8-shaft loom, Interweave's weaving experts compiled three beautiful 8-shaft weaving projects available to you for free in the eBook. Experiment away, and learn how to make the most of all 8 shafts on your loom.
It can be a big change when a weaver gets access to an 8-shaft loom. The possibilities are vast with all those shafts, and it can be difficult to decide what to try first. Spark your imagination and grow your skills with these beautiful scarf and shawl patterns, perfect for 8-shaft looms.
Beginners will find the projects easy to follow, detailed with instructions and images. Experienced weavers will love the beautiful 8-shaft weaving loom projects and advancing their skills while creating a project they will be able to show off.
FREE 8-shaft Weaving Loom Patterns for You:
How to Weave a Twill Scarf
A shimmering scarf in advancing point twill by Virginia West Tencel and twill are perfect partners for showing off color, shine, and drape. You're sure to sparkle in this unique and elegant twill scarf! Plus you'll learn the basics of 8-shaft weaving so that you can experiment on your own in the future. Watching the advancing point twill unfold before your eyes never gets old, making this a perfect project for new and experienced weavers alike.
How to Weave a Shawl
Cashmere/silk and bamboo shawl by Carry Wilcox Cashmere is often used by knitters for lace sweaters or lightweight shawls. It has an insulating quality greater than sheep’s wool, and this project adds a little silk for extra shine. To showcase such a special yarn, Carry used a draft designed that features a narrow band of overshot as a supplementary warp on a ground cloth of bamboo, another soft yarn that compliments the cashmere/silk. Turning the overshot draft warp-wise makes the most efficient use of that precious yarn.
Weave a Scarf: Free 8-Shaft Weaving Pattern
Pacific Waves in Tencel and bamboo by Coreen Hartig Warp once and weave two scarves that capture the constantly changing colors and movement of the Pacific Ocean. You'll weave one scarf in a collapse-weave structure that creates pleats in the fabric, then make a warp-dominant second scarf. This basic technique for creating pleats doesn't require much extra work, just a special hemstitching technique to encourage the natural pleats. Build on these skills to design your own 8-shaft weaving projects using collapse weave techniques.
I hope you will join me on my journey in 8-shaft weaving, and that you'll enjoy it all as much as I do.
