DiscoverWhat is a plain weave?
Plain weave is the most common type of weave as it creates a very strong, dense fabric suitable for lots of different uses. This is achieved with each warp string and weft yarn interlocking by going over one and under one in each row, forming a criss cross structure.
Example of Plain Weave
Plain weave instructions
Warp up the loom – using contrasting colours for the warp and weft can make weaving easier. Thread up and knot some yarn on to the needle.
Row 1
Go UNDER ONE and OVER ONE warp string across the first row.
Row 2
If the weft yarn goes over the last warp thread, row 2 will go
UNDER ONE then OVER ONE.
If the weft yarn goes under the last warp thread, row 2 will go
OVER ONE then UNDER ONE.
Apply this rule to all further rows. Weaving rows 1 then 2 repetitively will result in each row weaving the opposite to the one before. Make sure to beat down each completed row, try not to pull too tightly on the weft yarns and always leave yarn tails for each new weft used. Refer to ‘Taking weave off the loom’ video and notes to complete the weave.
Weaving tip:
Try out the hopsack weaving tutorial next to see how different a plain weave can look by making the small change of how many warp and weft threads you weave at a time…
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