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 with rya knots. For a full tutorial on weaving rya knots, 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 plain weave
Gradient colors weaving with rya knots
In this tutorial, I will weave rya knots with medium-sized yarn to create a color gradation effect.This tutorial uses 3 yarn colors to transition from a dark blue to a light ice blue. I have found that using a transition color (in this case a blue-grey color) makes a more forgiving gradient effect.
Key:
dark blue – color 1
blue-grey– color 2
ice blue– color 3
How to weave gradient colors with rya knots?
Color gradation is a gradual process that can be accomplished with various methods. Below are the weaving combinations that have helped me create the project in the images below.
For a complete tutorial for weaving rya knots (and several other weaving patterns, you kind find it here
Rya Knots: Density and Color
When weaving with rya knots, it is important to understand density and layering. Rya knots are created with 1 or 2 strands of yarn (or any number that you desire). The more strands of yarn in a rya knot, the blockier it will become, in addition to the color intensity.
If you want the yarns to gradate from color 1 to color 2, then there is a process of layering that you must follow. Everyone has there own way of adding and reducing color, so with practice you can find a method that best works for you too.
Here are samples that demonstrate the difference of density
rya knots : low density
(LEFT) Here a row of single strand yarn is woven in rya knots. It appears not too full.
(RIGHT) Here 2 rows of single strand yarn are woven in rya knots. It appears fuller and the warp is not completely visible.
rya knots : high density
Here rya knots are woven with two strands of yarn in two rows. It appears full and thick. The warp is no longer visible.
Color Gradation Steps
Below are a few combinations that you can use to gradate the colors.
(Note: Three different colors will be used in this tutorial, however in the color combinations listed below, only “color 1” and “color 2” are listed. Color 1 and color 2 are in reference to a change in color, rather than the respective colors used in the tutorial.)
Color Combination 1:
Row 1: 2 strands – color 1
Row 2: 2 strands – color 1
Color Combination 2:
Row 1: 2 strands – color 1 and color 2
Row 2: 2 strands – color 1
Color Combination 3:
Row 1: 2 strands – color 1 and color 2
Row 2: 2 strands – color 1 and color 2
Color Combination 4:
Row 1: 2 strands – color 1
Row 2: 1 strand – color 2
Row 3: 2 strands – color 1
Instructions
Step 1: Weave a few rows of plain weave as a base for the weaving.
Step 2: Weave 2 to 3 rows of rya knots in color 1. (Color combination 1)
Step 3: Secure the rya knots after every 2 to 3 rows.
Step 4: After weaving a few more rows of color 1, begin introducing color 2. (Color combination 2)
TIP: If you need more of color one, you can always add more to the bottom ( as long as there is space). Sometimes while gradating color to work backwards and continue building color for all sides, so it’s a good idea to leave space for it.
Step 5: To ensure a gradual change of color, weave one to two rows of color 1. (Color combination 1)
Step 6: Create knots that have a combination of color 1 and color 2. (Color combination 3)
TIP: Don’t forget to secure the rya knots after every 2 to 4 rows.
Step 7: Begin introducing color 3. (Color combination 4)
Step 8: Gradually reversing the process, slowly repeat the steps 6 to step 1 (in this reverse order).
Step 9: Secure the final yarns with plain weave.
Color shaping with Rya Knots
You may have noticed that the yarns on the bottom are not visible and its hard to actually see any transition between the colors- that means, its time cut!
Think about the shape or image that you are weaving. It might be drastic or simple.
Tips:
1.Cut on a diagonal. Do not cut on a horizontal angle – it will create blunt lines.
2.Flip up and down the rya knots and cut. Check the build up of the colors as you cut.
3.Start slowly. Adjusting the length of the yarn will allow the colors beneath to appear. If the yarn is cut too short or in a blunt manner, it can affect the color gradation and the shape of the form.
Conclusion
Rya knots add texture and movement to weaving. Using this color gradation technique adds even more depth and dimension to the weaving pattern.
Weaving color gradations can be challenging, but with practice it becomes easier. Rya knots present a different challenge than other weaving patterns- rya knots have moving parts and they can create shapes and forms. With the addition of color, there is a great possibility to build even more depth in your weaving with this color gradation process.
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 plain weave
Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope that these tutorials have helped answer your questions about weaving color gradation.
