Christmas Pinwheels
For this towel project, I used the 32″ Harp Forte, though it could also be completed on the 24″ model of Harp Forte.
The Mug Rug version was made on the 8″ Harp Forte, but it could easily be done on any of the larger looms as well, including the Presto Loom.
You will also need worsted-weight cotton yarn in two contrasting colors and an 8-dent heddle.
Let’s start with the towel:
Warp 80″ for 2 towels.
Total ends: 192 (96 loops for direct warp).
Warm 4 ends (2 loops) in white for the edge. Alternatively, you can skip these and use a floating selvage, as was done on the green mug rugs.
Warp 8 ends red, 8 ends white and repeat until you have 11 of each color. Finish with 8 more red and 4 more white for the edge.
When threading the yarn through the heddle, position it so that you end in a slot on the far right. Note: If the last thread goes through a hole instead, don’t worry—you’ll just need to reverse steps 4 and 5 below. In the accompanying video, I ended in a hole.
Begin by weaving 8 picks of plain weave using the white yarn, then continue with the following pattern.
Throughout the project, the 4 white edge yarns should be woven in plain weave. To simplify the instructions, they will NOT be included in the step-by-step directions.
Use a pick-up stick with the heddle in neutral for all rows except rows 4 and 5.
Repeat the pattern 24 times, alternating colors.1. Over 4, Under 4 across
2. Over 3, Under1, Over 1, Under 3
3. Over 2, Under 1, Over 1, Under 1, Over 1, Under 2
4. Heddle Up
5. Heddle down
6. Under 2, Over 1, Under 1, Over 1, Under 1, Over 2
7. Under 3, Over 1, Under 1, Over 3
8. Under 4, Over 4
End with 8 rows of plain weave.
Don’t forget to add a hemstitch or extend the plain weave if you plan to fold and sew the ends under.
Mug Rugs
Warp 65″ for 4 mug rugs
Warp 4 white threads for the edges (or use a floating selvage), then alternate 8 color and 8 white threads until you have 3 repeats of each color. Finish with 8 more color threads and 4 white for the edge.
Weave 4 rows of plain weave in white before starting the pattern repeat, beginning with the color. Work 3 sets of each color and white, then finish with one more pattern repeat in color followed by 4 rows of plain weave in white.
Now pour yourself a nice cup of coffee or hot cocoa and admire your handiwork!
Video here: https://www.youtube.com
For a Printable PDF version of this project click here:
