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Top 10 Handwoven Articles of the Year (2022 Edition)

Of all the posts we added to the Handwoven website over the last 12 months, these were ten of your favorites.

Dec 7, 2022 - 6 min read

Top 10 Handwoven Articles of the Year (2022 Edition) Primary Image

The A Year to Remember Blankets project are a wonderful way to create a snapshot of a year. Read more about them in Handwoven Nov/Dec 2022. Photo by Matt Graves

This has been a year full of weaving. Well, not entirely all weaving, but enough to be happy about how the last 12 months went (though we always wish for more time to weave). Like so many others this time of year, we love to look back and reflect on the year’s many highlights.

This year brought the launch of our sister site LittleLooms.com, five issues of Handwoven, and over 100 articles on our website. Many of these web articles were brand-new, while others were older gems we rediscovered and freshened up. Out of all those articles, some favorites rose to the top. Though they are all worth a second look, we’ll let you decide which of these top 10 posts are your favorites.

10. Fun with Finnweave

Examples of Finnweave, a variation of doubleweave pick-up that uses pairs rather than single threads in the warp and weft. Photo by Joe Coca

Finnweave is a variation of doubleweave pick-up that uses pairs rather than single threads in the warp and weft. Once you get the hang of it, finnweave is quicker to weave than doubleweave pick-up. Give it a try!

9. Better Ways of Twisting Fringe

Learn a few tricks for fringe, including adding weft to create more consistency in color as shown in this example. Photo credit: George BoeLearn a few tricks for fringe, including adding weft to create more consistency in color, as shown in this example. Photo by George Boe

This article covers all things fringe, including how to use a fringe twister. While twisting by hand is also possible, a fringe twister will save you time and produce more evenly twisted fringe. Read the article.

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8. A Shawl to Dye For!

a-shawl-to-die-for-1 Hand-dyeing your warp allows you to create one-of-a-kind pieces. Photo by Samantha Haring

Why not give dyeing your own warps a try? Dyeing warps can be a little messy, and it takes some time to learn the process, but by the end of this article, you will see it isn’t quite as overwhelming as you might think. Read the article.

7. Wavy Weaving

Ocean Waves ScarfClose-up of the wave designs created in the Ocean Waves scarf by Rebecca Cengiz-Robbs from Little Looms Holiday 2021. Photo by Matt Graves

Interested in using a wave stick or wavy beater but don’t know where to start? Liz Evans breaks down her wavy weaving strategies and discusses the four types of patterns she tends to use. Read the article.

6. Tensioning “Lazy” Warp Ends

loom-with-ornaments-header-by-boeTurn tension problems into a back-of-the-loom party with whimsical weights. Photo by George Boe

Even the best of weavers have the occasional slack warp end. No matter how disciplined you might be in winding your warp, dressing your loom, and tying on, one of those sneaky warp ends can sneak out of tension when you least expect it. Here are some tips on fixing them. Read the article.

5. What Is Indigo and Why Is It in the Color Wheel?

Shibori indigo patterns from artisans at Tarum Bali, Indonesia. Photo by Dimaz Fakhruddin on UnSplashShibori indigo patterns from artisans at Tarum Bali, Indonesia. Photo by Dimaz Fakhruddin on UnSplash

This informative post goes into the history of indigo dye and why its inclusion in the color wheel is so controversial. Originally posted years ago, the updated version of the post includes some great images of indigo-dyed fabric. Read the article.

4. How to Wind a Bobbin for Smoother Weaving

Rather than winding your weft so that it lines up on your bobbin, crisscross the weft so it won’t catch on itself as your shuttle goes through the shed.Rather than winding your weft so that it lines up on your bobbin, crisscross the weft so it won’t catch on itself as your shuttle goes through the shed.

As soon as Susan came up with the idea for this video, we knew we had to do it. Winding a bobbin can seem like a fairly obvious task, but there are nuances about how you do it that will make your weaving go more smoothly. Watch the video for Susan’s tips.

3. Black Cat Towels

Sherrie designed and wove two versions of her towels. You can mix and match. Photo by Matt GravesSherrie designed and wove two versions of her towels. You can mix and match. Photo by Matt Graves

Animals have been a favorite muse for many years, and these towels were an instant favorite. This 12-shaft project is fun in the original Halloween colors, but you could swap for just about any other combination and make these fit in any house year-round. Learn more.

2. Five Free Handwoven Towels and Placemats

5 Fun (And Free) Weaving Projects: Handwoven Towels and Placemats.A collage of all five of the placemat and towel weaving projects you’ll get in your free eBook.

Towels and placemats are always a favorite, so it’s no surprise that this free collection of projects was in the top 10. From huck lace to stripes, these 4-shaft designs are great for weavers at any level. Get easy access to this free eBook in the library, or read more about it.

1. Types of Weaving Looms

zuzana-kacerova-UrNI482bHWU-unsplash headerPhoto by Zuzana Kacerova on Unsplash

We revisited this long-time favorite and gave it a full review and refresh, including new images to accompany each loom. The article aims to showcase a variety of loom types and also offers some advice on shopping for a loom. Read the article.

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