How to weave vertical stripes

How to Weave Vertical Stripes

Another way to introduce pattern and interest into your weaving is by creating vertical stripes.

Getting Started

When first learning to weave vertical stripes, ideally both yarns should have the same thickness, as it is clearer to see what you are doing and understand the technique. Once you feel confident, you can experiment with yarns of different thicknesses.

Introducing a Vertical Stripe in a Different Colour

STEP 1: Cut a reasonable length of each colour of thread. Thread both lengths onto their own tapestry needle or a shuttle. I prefer to use a tapestry needle for this technique but see what works best for you.

STEP 2: Begin by weaving your first yarn through as per the basic weaving technique, making sure to leave the excess loose.

STEP 3: Take your second weft yarn and weave this onto the opposing warp strings, again being sure to leave the excess loose. It doesn't matter which direction you go in, just that one of the weft yarns goes over the odd numbered warp strings and the other weft yarn goes over the even numbered strings.

STEP 4: As one of the weft yarns will always be covering the odd numbered warp strings, and the other weft yarn will always be covering the even numbered strings they won't loop around the sides. To secure the sides, you will need to overlap the threads and interlock them before weaving the next line.

STEP 5: Go back the way you came with your first weft yarn, tucking the loose end into this line and hide it round the back of the loom.

STEP 6: The second weft yarn follows, and you can tuck in this loose end too.

STEP 7: Continue weaving with both weft yarns in this alternating fashion to create a vertical striped effect.

Change the Sequence to Switch the Colours

STEP 8: If you wish to swap the colours, you can simply change the sequence. If the first weft yarn was covering the even numbered warp strings, switch it to cover the odd numbered warp strings and use the second weft yarn to cover the even numbered warp strings.

STEP 9: You can also use this technique to create a check pattern, by changing the colour every time you have done enough lines to form a square.

Your Assignment

Carry on for as long as you like, experimenting with the technique by adding in different colours and different types of yarns to see what patterns you can create.