Lessons in Swedish Weaving
Our little quilt group got together on Saturday, so a few folks could teach us how to do Swedish weaving (aka Huck weaving). Of course I went! If it’s not something I’m allergic to and it even vaguely interests me, I’m game! I purchased the Monk’s cloth necessary to weave on, and then purchased a couple skeins of cotton (instead of polyester) yarn. When my MIL pre-washed the Monk’s cloth, she put my yarn into mesh bags and washed it, too. It was rather entertaining to wind into balls (read: knot), but we did it.
First, it was SUPER SIMPLE! If you can count the stitches and read the pattern, you can do this. The cloth is much like large-squared Aida (used for cross-stitching), except it’s not as stiff to begin with. And the idea is that the stitches are hidden on the back, unlike cross-stitching. As I read more about this embroidery technique, I found that Aida cloth could be substituted for the Monk’s cloth, especially if one wanted to purchase the pre-made items such as baby bibs, dish towels, etc.
For supplies, we needed the Monk’s cloth, 1 skein of veriegated yarn, 1 skein of complimentary yarn, a pair of scissors and then a Bodkin needle. Our quilt group member and teacher gave us the pattern that she learned with, to practice with.
I found a few online resources, including a couple who offered free patterns. I’ll post a photo of my finished (hehe, or would that be Finnished?) product, when I’m done with it:
And here’s a few photos of Swedish weaving projects from the teachers in our group:
I did Swedish Weaving as a child (that was 50 years ago!!) and just used any iron on trasnfer pattern. The instead of embroidering the pattern, I filled it in with Swedish Weaving (simply running the colors under the thread inside the patricular item). I then turned it into a pillow which I still have today. It was a Scottie dog, in case you wanted to know.
My point is this, for the beginner, this is a great way to learn the craft.
Oh, My! I have been around for 76 years and have not seen huck embroidery for a looooong time. I remember getting enthusiastic for it many years ago, but after embellishing several finger-tip towels, I lost interest. Maybe I just got enthusiastic for something else, I don’t remember. (76 years have anything to do with that?) There has been needlepoint pillow tops until I did not need any more pillows. Then, and in between everything else, I was sewing all my clothes. Oh, yes, and there was a long period when I knitted sweaters and dresses. Now, I have dropped all but quilting, quilting,
quilting and sewing an occasional bit of clothing. It has all been a fun and productive life. And still is!
I just learned Swedish Weaving from some mid-Westerners (Iowa) while wintering in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. I was able to purchase fabric from Wal-Mart stores there. The fabric comes from the James Thompson Co. in New York and comes in 18 colors. Now that I am home in Oregon, I can only find the natural (off-white) and plain white. Also, I cannot find anyone else who does Swedish Weaving out here. Can anyone help me to locate fellow weavers?
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How can I get the pattern for the last one pictured above? Img.3432. I think it’s called “tree” pattern. I started an afghan using this pattern about 10 yrs. ago. It’s about 3/4 done, but do not know how to finish it. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you. Barbara
My grandmother taught me this craft many many years ago. Recently my sister-in-law reintroduced me to this relaxing needle craft. Please give me some ideas on how to finish my pieces without fringe and the yarn pulling thru. Thank you. Jody
Thanks for commenting, Jody. My MIL just purchased another 3 yards of Monk’s cloth, she had so much fun making our first project that she wants to make a larger one!
What I saw from the ladies who taught our class was that they ended their “side” strings underneath and weaved about 1/2″ in, on the underside (and it didn’t show on the top). Then, they folded over the raw edges 1 or 2 times (depending on which person was showing me their project) and stitched the edge just like a hem. It “hid” the ends of the strings and the stitching helped secure them in place.
Hope this helps!
Tammy
Barbara: I think I found a free tree pattern for you! Click on this link:
http://crafts-america.com/ebooks/huck_weave/huck_pattern.html
Just remember to repeat the pattern, upside down, if you want it to look like the “pink” example in the photo above.
Tammy
You can purchase Monks Cloth at Averyhill.com and Monksclothandmore.com.
I live in San Luis obispo California….I have ust seen this weaving for the first time in my 60 years …I just would love to learn….Does anyone know of anyone or any classes in my area….Thanks…
Here is a nice Swedish Weaving group … there are over 2,000 members:
Sandra is the Listowner/Moderator and an amazing designer, too.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SwedishWeave/
The listing is “Craftsman” but only because Yahoo can’t seem to figure out how to change it back to Needlework or Weaving etc.
I hope you’ll join!!!
There is a SW convention in Utah this coming month.
Gentle as you go,
Marny
Arthritis in my thumb and three fingers on my right hand have prevented me from knitting any more. I think I can handle swedish knitting. I need to start from ground zero. Where and on what kind of projects do I begin? I NEED new placemats, is that a good place to start?
Paulette: I think placemats should be pretty simple. You do have to use your thumb to guide the special flat needle, but, not for much else. Go to your local hobby or craft store (or online) and get yarn, monks cloth and the needle. Pay special attention to how the person CUTS the cloth – there’s a special way to do it so you get a straight seam. I would personally wash the whole cloth before cutting it into the placemat sizes, but FIRST be sure to stitch all the way around on the outside edges or you’ll have a mess of unraveling on your hands. Then, once washed, cut your placemats to size. You can look at the links I put above to find free patterns, so you should have to buy any – especially just to test it out to see if you can do it. Hope this info helps! Tammy
Are there any Swedish Weaving groups in Michigan ? I am very new to Swedish Weaving and am enjoying it very much. Would love to talk to others.
Can anyone suggest any easy books for beginning swedish weaveing? Thank You.
i just recently became interested in swedish weaving but have a delemma i am hesitant to start my own project for fear of not doing of doing it right can any one guide me through the first stitch proccess? sincerly maureen
Nettie’s Needleworks is the greatest site. They have beautiful swedish weave patterns will full word by word instructions. They also have monks cloth in any color you could want. I can’t say enough about this wonderful site, especially for beginners in this craft.
Hi Janet, just wanted you to know I did it again. Entered an afghan in out County fair, won frist place and honorable mention. Put two others in just for show. Haven’t been doing much latey, but want to get back to it.
Will look at your web site and see what you have that I don’t.
Talk with you later, Linda
Please , what is the name of this pattern above. I was taught it by my Lil Sis, and am now teaching it in a Swedish Weaving class at our Senior Citizens centre. It is a simple one to teach and learn, but it would be wonderful to label my directions on the directions. Thank you so much in advance of your answer. Jeanne.
P.S. Love this site.
Jeanne: I believe the pattern is called Christmas Trees. If you go to this page: http://crafts-america.com/ebooks/huck_weave/huck_pattern.html that’s what they call it.
Tammon. Thank you so much. I,ve woven several of these couch throws, and never knew the name of the pattern as my sister just taught me the stitches. I now teach classes in this craft to ladies at my seniors center. In Oshawa where I live, we have 4 branches throughout the city under the flagship of the OSCC[Oshawa Senior Citizens Center]. We have over 6000 members city wide so I have several ladies to learn this craft should they so desire. My only problem is getting the cloth at decent prices. Here at home it is $27.00 a meter, and Statewide it is $9.99 a yard. A huge difference. I shop in the U.S. as often as possible. again thanks. J.
Hey, I guess I repeated myself on a few facts, but at 77 plus i,ll plead a seniors moment. Enough for now.
I just had the most wonderful experience with Netties.
I called and was told where locally I could find someone to show me the craft she even located them for me.
I am brand new to this craft and nervous however Nettie really put me to ease!!
Thank you Nettie
Catherine Englert / Dale Indiana
COULD SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHERE I CAN GET THE PATTERN FOR THE BOTTOM PIC OF THE IVORY MONK’S CLOTH WITH GREEN AND BURGANDY TREES. I AM TRYING TO TEACH MYSELF HOW TO DO SWEDISH WEAVE BECAUSE THERE DOES NOT SEEM TO BE ANYONE THAT DOES IT IN MY AREA. ANY HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.
TAMMY
I just found this site and am glad so many of you like Swedish Weaving. I have a Swedish Weaving business in Ontario, Canada. I sell the Monk’s Cloth, bodkin needles, patterns, books and give classes. Please have a look at my website http://www.funandfastpatterns.ca If you have any questions just email me. It will be my pleasure to help you with your Swedish Weaving questions. I do ship from coast to coast and have a SALE on Monk’s cloth until the end of the year on all IN-STOCK fabric.
Thank you & happy weaving,
Christine
My 4th grade teacher introduced our class to swedish weaving. I would now like to pass it along to my granddaughters. The pattern we used in class was a 6 point star that started small in the middle and continued in rounds until it was the size of a medium sized square bed pillow.A or two of stitching was left in between each row. If I remember correctly it used some long stitches. I have looked everywhere for several years for this pattern. Has anyone here, by chance, seen this pattern? I don’t think I can inspire them with dish towels and a blanket would overwhelm them. Any help or direction would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.