A Handweaver's Pattern Book

by Marguerite Porter Davison

Pick the perfect pattern every time! Sought after for nearly a century, A Handweaver's Pattern Book is the venerable compendium of weaving patterns found in early 20th century America by Marguerite Davison. Weavers of all experience levels can learn everything from basic twills to over-shot and irregular patterns. Often hailed "the handweaver's bible," this collection of patterns is complemented with fascinating textile history and helpful black-and-white photos. Numerous treadlings, illustrated with over 1,200 weavings, accompany each design that inspire innovation for expert weavers as well as provide helpful information for weavers who have yet reached that level. Davison also includes a yarn comparison chart in this comprehensive and highly visual guide. Perfect for both commercial and home weavers, this extensive handbook of strikingly diverse patterns will keep any four-harness weaver busy for years to come!

Genres: Reference, Crafts, Art

142 pages, Spiral-bound

First published January 1, 1944

About the author

Marguerite Porter Davison began her career at Berea College under the guidance of Mrs. Anna Ernberg, who was encouraging the mountain people to bring forth their traditional colonial weaving patterns. As Mrs. Ernberg's assistant, Mrs. Davison became thoroughly familiar with these well-established and long-loved patterns.

Despite the cares of raising a family and of time generously given to numerous worthy causes, Mrs. Davison engaged extensively in weaving, teaching and lecturing. In later years much of her efforts were devoted to writing and publishing. She was an active member of the Associated Hand Weavers and of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen.

Today her published works live on, ensuring that her weaving patterns remain in the hearts and hands of those who carry on the tradition.

Reviews

[MerryWoman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Known among the guilds as the hand weaver’s bible, this book contains an impressive and wonderfully rich collection of 4 harness patterns with large, easy to read illustrations alongside the drafting patterns it takes to achieve each one, as well as multiple variations for each draft. Clear, concise, easy to follow if you understand how to read the weaver’s “cartoons” as they call the treadling patterns, but they are so intuitive you could almost use this book to learn from.

[Bernie4444 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of four-harness patterns from various sources.

This is a good book to expand your repertoire. Each comes with a draft and a photo example.

The type of weave is divided into chapters.

The downside is that it is black and white.

It is a good addition to your library but there is no exceptional information or designs in newer books.

[ABRAHAM COTACALLAPA]

yo hace muchos años atrás me dedicaba al tejido en telar. Este libro ha sido muy interesante para mí, solo que está escrito en Ingles por lo que es un tanto difícil su interpretación.
Azángaro - Puno - Perú, 14 de Febrero del 2020.

[Tina Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must have. I call it the “Green Bible”

[Rin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got this book from my local library when taking a weaving class. It's so interesting to see how many variations can come from the differences in threading your loom in a certain way, not to mention variations in color or type of yarn, etc. The teacher of my weaving class recommended this book as a good source for patterns, and she also told the class that the woman who collected the patterns for this book was just working in the northeastern part of the United States. This is a huge compendium for such a small regional area, not to mention the fact that she was collecting patterns for such a short amount of time!

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A handweaver's pattern bible. Awesome resource of patterns.
It's not for beginners but for those who already know what they're doing.

[Debbi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe I'll appreciate it more after I've been weaving for a while. Otherwise, I did not find this as helpful as the other books I have.

[Eva Basile · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh well... a classic is a classic