Double Heddle Poncho

This easy Double Heddle project is just the thing to welcome Fall. With open sides and cotton yarn, it’s enough to ward of a light chill, yet not so heavy that it can’t be warn indoors. And it makes a great project for those wanting to try the double heddles for the first time!

For this project you will need a 16″ rigid heddle loom, equipped with two 5 dent heddles.

We’re using the Kromski Harp Forte in Walnut finish with the new Double Heddle Blocks.

You will also need 8 balls of worsted weight cotton in different colors. We used just over half of a 100 gram ball for each color. Find 3 decorative buttons and a needle to sew them in place to complete the poncho.

For instructions on how to warp, go to our previous post Double Weave Part 1 – How to Warp a Second Heddle. Everything will be essentially done in the same way with the exception of the thread count. For this Poncho you will warp 20 ends per color (10 loops using the direct warping method). There will be four colors on the top layer and 4 colors on the bottom layer. The warp will be 80″ long.

Since we’re using the new Double Heddle Block, you’ll need to move the rear heddle out of the way after warping so you can comfortably reach the front heddle.

First, tie off all the warp ends for safety. Then, remove the rear heddle from the block and rest it with the bottom on the ledge of the neutral position and the top along the crossbar of the loom.

This will allow you to set the bottom threads aside while you draw the top layer through the front heddle.

Once that is completed, untie the remaining yarn, one section at a time and finish warping as directed in the previous post.

Weave 30 passes of each color to achieve the plaid pattern. After approximately 12 color changes, your fabric should measure around 65 inches long. Remove it from the loom and twist the fringe into groups of four—this adds a decorative finish and helps prevent the fabric from unraveling.

Machine wash in hot water and dry on high heat. This will shrink and fluff the cotton fibers, resulting in a wonderfully soft fabric. The finished dimensions should be about 48 inches long and 27 inches wide.

To construct the poncho, fold the fabric in half lengthwise. Overlap the edges just enough to sew on the buttons. For reference, I placed the first button 2 inches from the edge and spaced the remaining buttons 4 1/2 inches apart. This allows plenty of room for your head while keeping the poncho snug on your shoulders. Adjust the button placement as needed to fit your personal preference.