Viking Draft for Towels Weaving Pattern

These towels are the result of a towel exchange held in 2008 by the Northern Colorado Weavers Guild. Dive into an opportunity to use a draft from the Viking era (analyzed by Agnes Geijer; see Resources). Ever wonder how weavers in the tenth century managed to weave this type of twill on the relatively primitive warp-weighted looms of that era? This project pays respect to the weavers of the past! You can use 10/2 cotton at 27 ends per inch (or sett the warp at 24 ends per inch and beat a bit more gently for 24 ppi). Select a warp sett slightly closer than plain weave for other yarns of your choice.

Structure: 2/2 broken point twill. Finished Dimensions: Six hemmed towels, 16" by 24" each. Yarns: Warp: 8/2 unmercerized cotton at 3,360 yd/lb (Yarn Barn of Kansas), 2,346 yd Khaki. Weft: 8/2 unmercerized cotton, 1,580 yd Peacock (263 yd per towel). Notions: Matching sewing thread. Warp Ends: 408. Warp Length: 5 3⁄4 yd (allows 10" for take-up and 29" loom waste). Setts: EPI: 24. PPI: 18. Width in the Reed: 17". Take up and Shrinkage: 6% in width, 10% in length. Originally Published: Handwoven, September/October 2009.

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