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 soumak weave. For a full tutorial on weaving soumak 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:
weaving color gradation with rya knots
weaving color gradation with plain weave
Gradient colors weaving with soumak weave
In this tutorial I will weave 4 strands of medium-sized yarn. This method can also be utilized by other yarn and material. The most important concept to gain from this tutorial is the gradual addition of the colors.
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
Instructions
Step 1: Gather 4 strand of yarn (in the first color).
Step 2: Begin the soumak weave with all four strands.
Step 3: After building a base of color 1, remove two strands of color 1 and substitute it with strands of color 2. Add color 2 yarn tail to the back of the weaving. Hide the remaining color 1 yarn in the back too.
TIP: When adding a new yarn color, add new color at different sections of the warp- beginning middle or end. This will give a more natural appearance.
Step 4: Adjust the yarn colors. If color 2 is too predominant or not enough of the color is appearing, twist the yarns into your desired placement.
Step 5: Begin reducing the amount of color 1 from the weaving. This could mean that if the strand length of color 1 is shortening, then do not add more yarn to continue the color. You can replace a color 1 strand with a color 2 strand, but always have 4 strands of yarn in order to keep a consistent thickness in the pattern.
Step 6: Introduce a strand of color 3 and remove a strand of color 2. Build up the appearance of color 3, but similar to step 4, you do not want the introduction of the new color to be too predominant nor nonexistent. Weave more rows.
Step 7: Reduce another strand of color 2 and add another strand of color 3. Weave more rows.
Step 8: After weaving more rows, finally you should have only 4 strands of color 3. Continue weaving until your desired length.
TIP: From here, you can continue weaving with the same color, change the color, or begin the color gradient technique again with other or the same colors.
Step 9: Some yarn ends might come loose, therefore with a tapestry needle gently tuck them into the weaving.
Conclusion
Soumak weaving is often used to give texture and movement to weaving. And now using this color gradation technique, it adds even more depth and dimension to the weaving pattern.
Weaving color gradations can be challenging, but with practice it becomes easier. Always adjust the gradation of the colors to your desired design. If you want an area of the weaving to be darker or lighter, add the yarns that best give that appearance. The key method of this weaving technique is gradual build up of the next color and gradual reduction of the previous color.
There are two more parts to the weaving color gradation tutorial. You can find the other two parts below:
weaving color gradation with rya knots
weaving color gradation with plain weave
Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope that these tutorials have helped answer your questions about weaving color gradation.
