Overview
In this 3-part weaving technique tutorial, you will learn how to weave a gradient color effect with yarn, using rya knots, soumak weave and plain weave. Color gradation is used to transition from one yarn color to another. This effect is used to build visual interest by creating movement and depth in weaving. This technique can also be used to transitions between textures of different yarns.
TIP: The key to gradient colors is to slowly add color 2 to color 1. The transition between the colors should be gradual and not rushed (unless that is the desired effect).
In this part of the tutorial, you will learn how to accomplish this effect in plain weave. For a full tutorial on weaving plain weave, check out this post, 6 Weaving Patterns for Beginners.
There are two more parts to the weaving color gradation tutorial. You can find the other two parts below:
Gradient colors weaving with soumak weave
Gradient colors weaving with rya knots
Gradient colors weaving in plain weave
Step 1: Unply the weft yarn for the project. Simply hold one end of the yarn and untwist the yarn in the opposite direction that it was spun in.
Step 2: Weave a few rows of plain weave in the first color.
Add 1-ply color 2
Step 3: Midway through a row stop weaving color 1 and introduce a ply/strand of color 2. Add color 2 yarn tail to the back of the weaving.
Step 3: Weave color 2 first, then color one over it.
Secure color 2 in place with loom comb.
Secure color 1 in place with loom comb.
Step 4: Begin the next row with color 2 first, then color one over it. Then secure the weft with a loom comb.
Above is the general idea of color gradation. Between every few rows of adding color 2, weave a few rows (around 2-3 rows) of color 1. The numbers of color 1 rows between the rows of color 2 is what creates the transition between the colors.
TIP: Throughout weaving, add strands of single ply yarn at different parts (in the beginning, middle and end) of the warp row.
Add 2-ply color 2
Step 5: Begin adding 2 plies of color 2 with color 1.
Begin 2-ply color 2 in different parts of the warp, not always in the same area.
Don’t forget to weave rows of color 1 in between.
Add 3-ply color 2 and reduce color 1 by 1-ply
Step 6: Begin adding 3 plies of color 2 with color 1.
To add accents of color 2, weave a 1-2 rows of only color 2.
Then continue the process of transitioning color 1 in and color 2 out. Every few rows reduce the number of color 1 plies and increase the number in color 2.
Conclusion
Plain weave is a basic weaving pattern, but using this color gradation technique adds another interesting element to the weaving pattern.
Weaving color gradations can be challenging, but with practice it becomes easier. A difficult point is making a clean transition between the two colors. This can be improved by slowly adding color 2 to color 1, and slowly reducing color 2. Like most weaving techniques, patience and practice is needed.
There are two more parts to the weaving color gradation tutorial. You can find the other two parts below:
Gradient colors weaving with rya knots
Gradient colors weaving with soumak weave
Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope that these tutorials have helped answer your questions about weaving color gradation.
