No comments about Handwoven embroidery weaves.

No comments about The Thames and Hudson Manual of Dyes and Fabrics (Thames & Hudson Manuals).

No comments about A primitive frame for weaving narrow fabrics (U.S. National museum. Annual report. 1899).

No comments about Flowers of the Yayla: Yoruk Weaving of the Toros Mountains.

No comments about Surface interest: textiles of today (Shuttle Craft monograph).

No comments about Weaving Is Fun.

No comments about Rayon looms and weaving (International library of technology).

No comments about Twills, tweeds and all-wool fabrics: A Shuttle-Craft Guild guide for weaving woolen and worsted yardages.

No comments about Spinning and Weaving: A Practical Guide.

3 comments about Doubleweave: On Four to Eight Shafts.

1. What a wonderful book... Doubleweave is a beautifully presented course in the art and science of multi layered cloth. It begins with a history of the technique dating back at least 3,000 years and continuing through the great design houses of Europe in the last century. Modern examples of textile art illustrate techniques throughout the book.

   A technique primer explains aspects of loom setup that have special considerations for double weave. The bulk of the text is devoted to technique and the specific arrangement of threads that produce multiple layers. This is where the book really shines. Several chapters are devoted to specific methods of interlocking layers: color blocks, stripes and spots, tubular and extra wide cloth, stitched, stuffed, pleated, and gathered textures usually associated with sewing. Each technique is thoroughly and clearly explained through the threading and treadling and the resulting effect. Each explanation is accompanied by a 3D diagram of the cloth extended from the drawdown, clearly showing the interlocking of warp and weft. The diagrams require a little concentration because of the complexity of the weave, but a little time spent on the charts will reward you with a thorough understanding of the structure.

   The textile photographs that illustrate the techniques show a variety of yarn texture and size, sett, and color that would make even tabby weaves extraordinary. A chapter on textile design from inspiration to execution rounds out the technical information. With the fascinating cloth presented in Doubleweave, suddenly 8 shafts don't seem like enough. I borrowed this book from my guild library and read it cover to cover; it is now being added to my home collection as a valuable reference and source of inspiration.




2. I found the book a little disappointing. The format did not suit me. I would have liked patterns included for the pictures in the book. There seemed to be a lot of empty spaces.



3. I really like this book because it has all the things I want in any weaving book, the drafts, the diagrams that show exactly how each thread of warp and weft interact (which is essential for doubleweave, plus photos both in colour and black and white. There are examples of things I had never thought of before and that's always a plus.