Scalloping: Weaving Techniques

Scalloping uses the twining technique to create an outline of a shape you weave. Scalloping creates a mix of C-shape or U-shape forms. It builds the weaving composition by giving structure and flow to the shapes formed.

Basic twining

Twining is a weaving technique used to add texture and movement to weaving, but also strengthens edges.

Twining requires 2 sets of yarns, which can be the same color. In this tutorial, two different color yarns will be used to differentiate the steps in the instructions. The blue yarn (color 1) is used for plain weave, and the light blue (color 2) yarn is used for wrapping around the first yarn, creating the twisted appearance (twining). Two rows of the twisted yarn next to each other create a braid appearance.

A full twining tutorial can be found in this post, Twining: Weaving Technique. 

Scalloping Tutorial Instructions:

Step 1: Weave one row of plain weave loosely with color 1.

(If you are new to weaving, you can find a full tutorial to plain weave and 5 other patterns for beginners in this post, Loom Weaving Tutorial: 6 Weaving Patterns for Beginners.)

Step 2: Create the first curved form. Here I have created one small hill form using a loom comb and fingers. However, you could like to start with a few curved forms in the first row.

Step 3: With color 2 begin wrapping it around color 1 (using the twining technique).

Step 4: Tie yarn ends of color 1 and color 2 loosely together.

TIP: (In this tutorial picture, I continued using the yarn in the next row (which is ok), but I think that the yarn row is more secured after each row the twining section is cut and secured with a small knot. Later the knot will be secured behind the piece.

You can send the yarn ends to the back of the weaving with the tapestry needle.

Step 5: Begin the next row and begin growing the scalloping form. Continue this until you have reached your desired length.

TIP: The curved forms can begin and end anywhere that you like. But, to create a more uniformed appearance and give more structure to the weaving, you can begin the twining on top of each curve or “hill”.

Step 6: Continue building curved forms.

Step 7: Now, you have created a thin outline of the forms. If you would like to thicken the outline of the form, then add another layer of twining in the same direction and form of the previous ones. Follow steps 1 to 6.

Step 8: On the back of the weaving, tie a loose knot at the end of the row.

How to use scalloping in weaving?

Scalloping adds interesting line work and movement to weaving! Build up the curved pattern for a full effect.

Here are a few ideas for using scalloping in your next project:

1. Be creative with negative and positive spaces.

Twining shows the beautiful outlines of shapes and forms. The scalloping of the yarn builds movement between the negative spaces of the warp. By adding more l

– thicken the rows of the twining outline

– fill in some spaces with plain weave or other weaving patterns

– leave some spaces open, without any weaving inside

2. Use bold colors and yarns.

Think of the twining lines as outlines in a coloring book- it holds the forms but it is also a form.

3. Move the eyes!

– gradient colors from light to dark, color 1 to color 2, etc.

– use multiple colors in twining outline

– experiment with composition and form placement

For more tips on adding color to weaving, check out a previous post, Weaving Color: a guide to yarn colors for weaving.

Conclusion

Scalloping explores not only negative and positive spaces, but also building composition in weaving. Using the twining technique, you can create your own scalloping techniques to bring movement and color into your next weaving project!

Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope that these tutorials have helped answer your questions about the weaving technique scalloping.