Technical Block 1: Weave - process and technique

In order to understand the process and technique, we began doing very basic weave patterns. I started with a plain weave, using the same yarns used in the warp. This created quite a basic check like pattern.

Plain weave

It was really interesting to see the difference in patterns. Mine was a point draft but my partners on the left hand side was a straight draft, so even though we might have used the same pattern such as a twill, it would turn out differently for both of us.

Once we got to grips with the threading of the weft and the changing of the shafts, we could use different yarns and pattern sequences.

I found that weave had quite a different way of interpreting and translating the research. The main things to focus on was colour. At first it was quite difficult because a lot of my drawings were curved and fluid, but in weave you're essentially making a stripe, so this was a challenge at first. Nevertheless, I realised that you can interpret line quality and use an appropriate thread accordingly. For example, I had a drawing which was really fluid and smoke like, with a wispy line quality, so I used a yarn which mimicked this. It had a fluffy and delicate texture which worked well in interpreting the research.

Once I was more confident with the process, I began to use more complicated patterns and made my own patterns. Extra weft allowed me to create loops in the weave which was quite playful and interesting. As well as this, interlinking the threads created a sort of gradient in the pattern which worked really nicely. I think this was one of my favourite samples, since the colours worked well and it had a successful graduating pattern in it.

Extra weft and electrical wires

Interlinking yarns

As well as varying the pattern, I also experimented with incorporating objects from my box into the weft. Objects such as: elastic bands, electrical wire, the packaging from roll up cigarette filters, feathers and other such bits and pieces. These additions provided a fun, playful and interactive nature and made the samples textural and more exciting which worked successfully.

Elastic band sample

Overall I found weave really enjoyable, in terms of both process and outcome. Athough some samples worked more successfully than others, I think I was experimental and challenged my use of materials and colours. I learnt a lot and carry this knowledge forward into future work and research.