Four Harness Pattern Books

So you have figured out how to warp your loom and want to weave something simple. For years A Handweaver’s Pattern Book, by Marguerite Porter Davison, has been a must have book for any weaving library. It is full of four harness patterns to pick from. There is a lot of variety in weave structures and honesty it could take a lifetime to weave all the patterns found in this book. I would go into more detail, but unfortunately I loaned out my copy and it never found it’s way back to me. I will probably replace it since I do teach weaving locally and it is a very good resource for weaving students.

Recently another four harness pattern book was released. It is The Handweaver’s Pattern Directory, by Anne Dixon. Being the bookaholic that I am, I decided to order it to see what it offered. I am very happy with my purchase. The front of the book is full of basic information. The color pictures make it easy to see what the woven cloth will look like and they also give ideas for combing colors in weaving projects.

I have been weaving for a while and this book contains some simple patterns that I have not seen and would love to do. That says a lot about this book. I started with a four harness loom and within six months I had to move up to eight harnesses. The Handweaver’s Pattern Directory will lure me back to the simple patterns from time to time.

Many of the techniques required in the Certificate of Excellence for Handweaving, Level l are touched upon in this beautiful little book.

These are just a couple of good books I think every weaver should have in their weaving library.