Natural Colors Cotton Scarf Pattern
As a fiber, I do not often use cotton outside of kitchen-use weaving. When given the opportunity to try Lunatic Fringe’s beautiful, naturally colored cotton to make a scarf, I was excited at the challenge it presented to my design bias. It was also nerve-wracking; what if what I designed still looked like it belonged in the kitchen? Nobody wants a scarf that looks like it should be used to dry dishes. But this yarn is really special. Completely sourced in the United States, every effort is made to ensure sustainability. This idea of sustainability is very appealing to me as a fiber artist as well as in my everyday life. Striking a harmonious balance between nature and humans is difficult at the best of times; creating with un-dyed, unwashed fiber with a small chemical footprint is rare. I wanted to honor the unique colors of the cotton and the effort to highlight the marvel of these plants as they grow in their surprising natural range of color. With that thought, I created a mix of free form and structure to hopefully bring to mind an earthy idea of growth for both nature and humans. The fabric woven from this cotton is soft and light, perfect for a cool spring day before the heat of summer takes hold. I am so glad I stepped outside of my fiber comfort zone; it was a delight to create with the un-dyed joy of cotton sourced in a sustainable fashion.
Project at a Glance
Structure
Plain Weave, Clasped Weft, Pick-up stick Overshot
Equipment
2-shaft-shaft loom, 16.25” weaving width; 12.5-dent reed (17” weaving width on a 12-dent reed); 2 shuttle sticks
Yarns
Warp: 10/2 American Maid Cotton (4200 yd/lb; Lunatic Fringe), Dark Green, 1,106 yd; Dark Brown, 300 yd
Weft: 10/2 American Maid Cotton (4200 yd/lb; Lunatic Fringe), Dark Green, 595 yd; Dark Brown 187 yds
Other Supplies
Pick-Up Stick
Setts
Warp: 24 epi (2/dent in a 12.5-dent reed).
Weft: 10 ppi.
Dimensions
Width in the reed: 16.25” for 12.5-dent heddle, 17” for a 12-dent heddle
Woven length: (measured under tension on the loom) 75".
Finished size: (after washing and hemming) Number of items 14.25" x 67.5" with additional 4.5” Fringe