Crackle Weave Simply: Understanding the Weave Structure 27 Projects to Practice Your Skills

by Susan Kesler-Simpson

Overview

Finally, an easy explanation of Crackle Weave!

Susan Kesler-Simpson, author of the popular Overshot Simply and Shadow Weave Simply, now explains Crackle Weave "simply." Her teaching style is to break down the weave structure into its basic parts so that it is easy to understand, and then teach you how the parts work together to create the weave structure so that you can use any pattern or create your own.

The areas of separating threads give Crackle Weave its appearance of cracking pottery, and once you see how the structure works, there is so much you can do with it! Crackle weave is a block weave structure made up of four or more threading blocks that are based on the twill structure. Each block has four threads made up of two primary threads and two secondary threads. Incidental threads are added when needed to keep the proper twill sequencing. These blocks can be enlarged, reduced, or change location, allowing you to have a traditional or more modern approach to your project. And then there is color! Crackle Weave has many options for playing with colors; colors can be added through the warp, primary threads, and/or secondary threads.

Learning is not complete without practice, so there are 25 patterns to try for a variety of pieces in both modern and traditional effects. The projects are simple enough for any beginning weaver, and include shawls, scarves, rugs, blankets, towels, and table runners. Some are woven in the traditional crackle method while others introduce weaving crackle as overshot, summer/winter, and more.

Start your exploration of Crackle Weave today!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780811769990
Publisher:	Stackpole Books
Publication date:	07/15/2022
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	136
Sales rank:	978,999
File size:	125 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Susan Kesler-Simpson is passionate about fiber arts and breaking down complex weaving techniques so that even beginners can learn the basic concepts. She is the author of the successful Overshot Simply, Shadow Weave Simply, and Creative Treadling with Overshot, and has a B.S. and M.A. in Clothing, Textiles, and Design from the University of Nebraska. She enjoys teaching weaving and working in other crafts such as knitting, spinning, and crocheting. She resides in Danville, Pennsylvania.

Susan Kesler-Simpson is passionate about fiber arts and breaking down weaving techniques so that even beginners can learn the basic concepts. She has a B.S. and M.A. in Clothing, Textiles, and Design from the University of Nebraska, and enjoys teaching weaving and working in other crafts such as knitting, spinning, and crocheting.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 What Is So Special about Crackle Weave? 1

Chapter 2 Understanding Crackle Weave: Four-Shaft Loom 1

Chapter 3 Understanding Crackle Weave: Eight-Shaft Loom 10

Chapter 4 Alternative Treadlings for Crackle Weave 19

Chapter 5 Color and Texture 31

Chapter 6 Four-Shaft Patterns 36

Abstract Scarf 39

Autumn Table Runner 41

Baby Blocks Blanket 45

Blocks of Thyme Shawl 47

Blue Shadows Scarf 51

Color Wheel Shawl 53

Cross Vestment 57

Ebb Tide Table Runner 59

Gold Leaf Scarf 63

Gradation Scarves 65

Hydrangeas Table Runner 69

Jelly Beans Kitchen Towels 73

Just for Fun Mobius Scarves 75

Merry Christmas Runner 79

Plum Jellies Dish Towels 81

Stepping Stones Rug 85

Thrum Throw 87

Wavelengths Scarves 91

Woodland Path Table Runner 93

Wrapped in Gingham Scarf 97

Chapter 7 Eight-Shaft Patterns 100

Diamonds and Lace Table Runner 103

Finale Cape 107

Highlands Table Runner 111

Lightning Bolt Scarf 115

Shadows Table Runner 115

Sherbet Towels 121

Tiny Diamonds Scarf 123

Resources 126

Visual Index 127

Editorial Reviews

This book is a fundamental guide to the crackle weave structure. The author, Susan Kesler-Simpson, presents the structure in clear, simple, detailed explanations. Reading this book is like having a teacher next to you who flipped on the understanding light bulb. You are never left guessing how to weave or adapt this traditional Swedish weave for contemporary purposes.

However, this book is not the definitive guide to crackle weave. Kesler-Simpson directs you to other sources for more in-depth information. Since crackle is a block weave, knowledge of block weaves is helpful but is not necessary when using this book to plan your projects. Terms that are necessary to understand in crackle weave, such as "incidental threads," are clearly defined and are highlighted in green on the threadings so that they are not missed.

Kesler-Simpson has done an excellent job of breaking down crackle weave drafts. Each element of a draft is presented separately along with the effect of changes to any of the draft elements. Important details and reminders about each draft are included in a square on the draft page. All tie-ups are the same, but there is a separate discussion of treadling crackle as twill, lace, overshot, and in the Italian manner. Potential problems, like undulation and floats, are discussed with the cause and prevention explained.

This book also includes brief discussions of texture, color, and fiber. The weaver is encouraged to experiment with yarns not typically used for weaving. Helpful hints, like the bobbin holder Kesler-Simpson's husband made to help organize colors when she is weaving polychrome, are included.

A full color photo index of projects, including the title and page number for each, can be found at the end of the book. There are twenty-seven projects in the book. Twenty of the projects are for four-shaft looms, and seven are for eight-shaft looms.

To sum it all up, this book is a perfect choice for a beginning weaver or more experienced weavers who may not have tried crackle weave.

Shuttle, Spindle & Dyepot - Terri Bryson