Just want a quick clarification about how to warp and weave simple cotton log cabin coasters on a rigid heddle. Let's say they are blue and white, and I'm using 10 dpi, trying for one inch squares.
Warping, right to left............blue, white, blue, white, blue, white, blue, white, blue, white......white, blue, white, blue..........................correct?
Throwing weft...........same way, using different color every other row, but after 10 pics, use last color again before continuing. Okay so far?
Now.....to carry the threads using two shuttles..........let's say I start with blue, from the right. After throwing I place it in front of me. Then, I start with white from the left, and set that shuttle closer to the loom than the blue shuttle. Is that correct? This sounds like it will work. The reason I am confused is that when I recently did a herringbone scarf, which required TWO picks before changing colors, I ended up doing all of the carrying along the right side, which worked fine except that the selvedges didn't really match. With TWO picks, I couldn't figure out how to avoid this. Now for log cabin, with ONE pick of each color (except when switching to two of the same color right next to each other....ohhhhh noooo....then what?) it does seem like it will be easier to throw one from one side and one from the other, and catch the other color in the selvedge.
Also, what size would most of you suggest for coasters? I was thinking about starting with 6 inch squares, because I am using simple sugar and cream cotton and it will shrink up, maybe to 4.5.
Last question --- to make coasters with short 3/4 inch fringe appear square, do you usually make the actual woven part square, or do you make them a bit short and include the fringe as part of the measurement? Which looks best visually?
Thanks!
Cindy
Hi Cindy,
All very good questions. I'll answer the ones I can and someone else can help with the others. When I have woven log cabin, I have threaded as follows: b=blue and w=whiteb,w,b,w,b,ww,b,w,b,w,bb,w,b,w,b,w. etc.
Then, you will weave the same pattern beginning with b,w,b,w,b,w and next set is w,b,w,b,w,b You will be doubling at the end of each set when you change the order. I found a 4 shaft example on handweaving.net and here is a picture: 
Hope this helps. Happy weaving,
Claudia
I've done a bunch of log cabin on my RH, and I think perhaps you're overthinking it. I believe you've got the warping correct, and you do indeed use the same pattern for the weft.
Which side to start on -- I think it's a matter of personal preference. I always start both of my colors on the right. It's just how my brain works. And because you'll periodically be doubling up on one color, they won't stay 'the same' anyway.
How to carry the waiting thread - I can't tell you where to place it, I'd have to look at it. You'll just want to make sure you're catching the thread in it. And although I haven't done one in a little while, I think the selvedges are even.
I think starting with a 6" square is a reasonable size.
I make mine square plus the fringe, not including the fringe.
Many of your questions will be answered, especially size, if you make a couple of samples to begin. I always add extra warp length to sample and then cut the sample off the loom and wet finish it as I would the finished project. Then, you can measure it before and after and calculate the shrinkage.
Claudia
my log cabin I started the wefts on opposite sides but as Peg said since you are doubling every so often they don't always stay the saem. I just made sure I caught the non working thread as I worked my way up and the selvedges turned out even. Just do what feels good to you and it will all work out in the end.
Tina
I make my mug rugs 4" squares. I don't have any mug that needs bigger than that. The idea was to have them perfectly square but then of course there is the fringe. So once the fringe is on the two ends they are rectangular but I quite like the way that looks. Being rectangular, they really do look like miniature rugs on the table top.
These are really beautiful! I love the Navajo influence.
Jacquie
Claudia,
Just a quick note to say thanks so much for the draft, and for your explanations! I really appreciate your help, as always. I will post some photos when I get them done. :)
Cindy
I'm a little late with my thanks, but wanted to take a minute to thank you for your comments. It does help to have others' perspective! :) I will post some photos when I get them done. I really appreciate your help!
Cindy
Thanks Tina!
Those are absolutely beautiful! Thanks for your comments....and you are exactly right, they look like miniature rugs! I will take your advice and make the actual weaving square, with the fringe being extra. Thanks for your help.
