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The Handweaver's Pattern Directory
A comprehensive introduction to the tools, equipment, fibers, and yarns used with four-shaft looms, this reference features patterns for 600 different weaves, including twill, zigzag, diamond, herringbone, and block. Color photographs and large-scale drawings allow weavers to closely examine the details, and the compact size and lay-flat binding is convenient for keeping near the loom. A handbook that is essential for all four-shaft weavers, this manual includes weaving basics, specialized projects organized by degree of difficulty, finishing techniques, resources, and a glossary of terms.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 20, 2022
Interweave Press does it again.
The Handweaver’s Pattern Directory by Anne Dixon is what it claims to be. Over 600 weaves for four-shaft Looms.
However, it does not skimp on explaining the explanation of the tools and methods used in the process.
The drafts and examples are in color which makes them easier to follow.
The ring binder is an added plus. Looking for more bound this way.
The Handweaver’s Pattern Directory by Anne Dixon is what it claims to be. Over 600 weaves for four-shaft Looms.
However, it does not skimp on explaining the explanation of the tools and methods used in the process.
The drafts and examples are in color which makes them easier to follow.
The ring binder is an added plus. Looking for more bound this way.
April 6, 2015
I'm new to weaving, and this book is a fantastic resource. I can see that I'll be turning to it again and again and again.
March 6, 2023
This is pattern book, not a "how to weave" book. One of the strong points are the color samples that accompany the drafts. These samples give you a good idea about the kind of cloth that can be constructed with the draft. Various weave structures are grouped together and also give you an excellent idea about variations within those structures. Also, color-and-weave is clearly shown in the drafts, allowing you to make nice variations on a simpler weave structure.
The book is spiral bound, which makes it easy to leave it open to a particular page while you weave.
I do have several complaints about the book. The first is that the type is very small, especially for older eyes. There are bold face headings, but then further explanations are done in a very fine, lighter typeface which can be very difficult to read. One of the most important pages in the book is "Understanding the Weaving Drafts". This is very important material about how to use the book and should have been done on several pages so that the text is readable.
Another complaint would be that many of the drafts need to be woven with a liftplan, rather than tie up and treadling. Very few four shaft floor looms have more than 6 treadles, so that a skeleton tie up or using a direct tie up system would be needed in order to weave them. I didn't see any references about how to make your own liftplan from the drafts, which would have been a good adjunct to the material even if you were using a table loom.
I recommend this book, but with the reservations I have listed above. It has much to offer, but a new weaver needs to seek out other sources for a complete understanding of what these drafts have to offer and how to weave them.
The book is spiral bound, which makes it easy to leave it open to a particular page while you weave.
I do have several complaints about the book. The first is that the type is very small, especially for older eyes. There are bold face headings, but then further explanations are done in a very fine, lighter typeface which can be very difficult to read. One of the most important pages in the book is "Understanding the Weaving Drafts". This is very important material about how to use the book and should have been done on several pages so that the text is readable.
Another complaint would be that many of the drafts need to be woven with a liftplan, rather than tie up and treadling. Very few four shaft floor looms have more than 6 treadles, so that a skeleton tie up or using a direct tie up system would be needed in order to weave them. I didn't see any references about how to make your own liftplan from the drafts, which would have been a good adjunct to the material even if you were using a table loom.
I recommend this book, but with the reservations I have listed above. It has much to offer, but a new weaver needs to seek out other sources for a complete understanding of what these drafts have to offer and how to weave them.
November 29, 2020
Classic reference for 4 shaft handweaving. Beautiful glossy paper edition, each draft is accompanied by a full colour picture of the corresponding finished cloth.
It does cover all the weave structures that can be woven on four shafts, and includes colour and weave examples for many structures.
A reference for any handweaver's library.
It does cover all the weave structures that can be woven on four shafts, and includes colour and weave examples for many structures.
A reference for any handweaver's library.
July 15, 2018
Fabulous for newies; experienced weavers enjoy it too. Nice to see color photos of how different warps and wefts 'fall out' in the pattern.
May 25, 2020
Classic pattern directory. Great inspiration here!
April 7, 2009
Awesome book.
It's easy to understand by a beginner like me. It has pictures of every pattern which is really nice since I'm not very good at projecting a pattern to what the cloth will look like.
Pretty too!
It's easy to understand by a beginner like me. It has pictures of every pattern which is really nice since I'm not very good at projecting a pattern to what the cloth will look like.
Pretty too!
March 21, 2010
Bought this year's ago when I started weaving - great great resource. Reminds me how much I need to get back in to it :P
October 7, 2010
very helpful, great book. Make with the beginning in mind.
June 30, 2014
Excellent graphics, this book provides a wealth of weaving patterns. It's a bit thin on theory (but it doesn't claim to provide theory so I don't hold that against the book. I found it inspiring.
August 10, 2015
Absolutely required reference for weavers. Excellent pictures, drafts, and draw-downs. Easy to use in the studio because of the lay-flat binding.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews