There is a lot to learn about weaving! In this beautiful book by Pattie Graver, former Managing Editor of Handwoven magazine, you’ll be explore a variety of weave structures and concepts in depth and detail including twill, colour-and-weave, overshot, summer and winter, lace, and doubleweave.
Next Steps in Weaving is an organised compendium of information and troubleshooting advice on several common weave structures, based on the author’s own frustrations while learning to weave. Given what seemed to be solid instruction, Pattie nevertheless often ran into problems: the fabric looked significantly different, had the wrong texture or drape, biased or took in too much, or rendered a beautiful pattern nearly invisible. Based on twenty years of hands-on experience, classes, self-teaching, information from publications, and skills learned from other weavers, Next Steps in Weaving both saves the reader endless time spent researching what went wrong and how to fix, and also helps new weavers discover their own weaving identity or focus.

There is a lot to learn in weaving and while new weavers grasp the basics, they also often find it difficult to decide the next step in order to grow their new skills. By introducing new weavers to various structures and concepts via a hands-on experience, Next Steps in Weaving gives them what they need to design and execute future projects well, while helping them avoid or fix common mistakes. And it will hopefully whet their appetite to dive deeper into one or more of the topics covered. The topics include several popular weaves: twill, colour-and-weave, overshot, summer and winter, lace, and doubleweave.

For each structure, Pattie presents a thorough explanation of the weaving process, a project or a sampler, and includes variations where appropriate. For example, one might weave a twill scarf with a solid colour warp and weft. To take this to the next step, she shows how to use a shaded or striped warp, how to introduce multiple weft colours, how to vary the treadling, or how to use a different yarn (e.g. wool versus cotton). Throughout, she addresses common problems that new (and experienced) weavers encounter in each technique, or offers tips on easier weaving or creating better fabric. The overall concept is not just how to weave, but how to weave well, focusing on the details and tricks that emphasize craftsmanship and superior execution.

Next Steps in Weaving is different from other recent books because it deals with multiple topics and is written for experienced beginners. Although it includes projects and drafts, the book focuses on understanding structures and all the factors that affect them (the loom, the weaver, the yarns, etc.). Newer weavers and those making a transition from the rigid heddle loom will find it to be a valuable resource. Most of the information will be appropriate for 4-shaft weavers. However, 8-shafts will be addressed and everything in the book will be possible on those looms.|There is a lot to learn about weaving! As a new weaver, you might wonder what the next steps are to grow your skills. Next Steps in Weaving has the answers you’re looking for. In this beautiful book by Pattie Graver, former Managing Editor of Handwoven magazine, you’ll be explore a variety of weave structures and concepts in depth and detail including twill, colour-and-weave, overshot, summer and winter, lace, and doubleweave. This is not just a book of weaving patterns. Each topic is explained and supplemented with instructions for weaving a sampler and a project in order to solidify the concepts and enable you to design your own projects. In addition, the book offers troubleshooting tips in order to expand your weaving expertise. Whether you’re new to weaving, have the basics down, or are looking to improve your foundation skills, this book will be an asset to your weaving library. So what are you waiting for? Take the Next Steps in Weaving!