Polka Dot Towels is a technique-based project designed to build confidence using pick-up sticks and optional string heddles on a rigid heddle loom.
This project includes two towel options woven on the same warp.
The first towel introduces a more complex pattern using two pick-up sticks or one pick-up stick combined with string heddles. This allows you to explore a more efficient way of managing pattern sheds while also giving you the option to work entirely with pick-up sticks if you prefer.
The second towel is woven in plain weave, creating bold horizontal stripes with a simple structure. It offers a more relaxed weaving experience while still producing a finished piece that complements the first towel.
Having both options in one project allows you to choose your path. You can focus on the technique, keep things simple, or work through both towels to build confidence and understanding.
To support the process, this pattern includes video resources for key steps, including a new video demonstrating how to insert and use string heddles, along with additional guidance throughout the pattern.
By the end of this project, you will have a better understanding of how pick-up stick patterns are built, how string heddles can improve efficiency at the loom, and how small changes in structure can create very different results.
Makes
Two towels approximately 15 1/2” x 26”
What You Will Need
Yarn
Warp:
8/2 cotton (doubled) — approximately [insert total yardage if you want]
Weft:
8/2 cotton in two colours
You can substitute yarn; however, I recommend using 8/2 cotton for this project as it produces a balanced, absorbent towel and works well with the structure.
Equipment
• 20” rigid heddle loom
• 10 dent reed
• 2 stick or boat shuttles
• 2 pick-up sticks
• String heddles (optional)
• Heddle rod (optional)
• 2 extra warping sticks
• Standard weaving tools (warping sticks, darning needle, scissors, t-pins, s-hooks, tape measure, etc.)
Polka Dot Towels is a technique-based project designed to build confidence using pick-up sticks and optional string heddles on a rigid heddle loom.
This project includes two towel options woven on the same warp.
The first towel introduces a more complex pattern using two pick-up sticks or one pick-up stick combined with string heddles. This allows you to explore a more efficient way of managing pattern sheds while also giving you the option to work entirely with pick-up sticks if you prefer.
The second towel is woven in plain weave, creating bold horizontal stripes with a simple structure. It offers a more relaxed weaving experience while still producing a finished piece that complements the first towel.
Having both options in one project allows you to choose your path. You can focus on the technique, keep things simple, or work through both towels to build confidence and understanding.
To support the process, this pattern includes video resources for key steps, including a new video demonstrating how to insert and use string heddles, along with additional guidance throughout the pattern.
By the end of this project, you will have a better understanding of how pick-up stick patterns are built, how string heddles can improve efficiency at the loom, and how small changes in structure can create very different results.
Makes
Two towels approximately 15 1/2” x 26”
What You Will Need
Yarn
Warp:
8/2 cotton (doubled) — approximately [insert total yardage if you want]
Weft:
8/2 cotton in two colours
You can substitute yarn; however, I recommend using 8/2 cotton for this project as it produces a balanced, absorbent towel and works well with the structure.
Equipment
• 20” rigid heddle loom
• 10 dent reed
• 2 stick or boat shuttles
• 2 pick-up sticks
• String heddles (optional)
• Heddle rod (optional)
• 2 extra warping sticks
• Standard weaving tools (warping sticks, darning needle, scissors, t-pins, s-hooks, tape measure, etc.)
