I am thinking that I want to make some fabric to make some light weight tops--I prefer 100% natural fibers and to find fabric in colors that I like has become very difficult.  Question is, if I were to make 100% cotton fabric, what weight yarn would I use to end up with a fairly light weight fabric?  And, what weight silk, linen or bamboo would I use?  Thanks in advance for your in put. 

 

Dorn

Comments

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 03:53

laurafry

I would be looking at 20/2 cotton or there abouts. For silk 60/2 would be nice and light. Cheers Laura
Mon, 09/08/2014 - 03:54

CelticCats

LauraFry, thank you for the suggestions.  I will have to get some and get to work.

 

Dorn

Wed, 09/10/2014 - 23:18

sally orgren

along with the Woolery in the U.S. 

You might find some colorful UKI pearl cotton in 20/2 cones left at Village Weaving and Spinning in Solvang, CA. I called him this spring on the hunt for colors in that size. If you want electric colors, contact Lunatic Fringe. I just bought their color card at Convergence this summer for future orders.

I also like Brassard's 16/2 unmercerized cotton, which comes in 80 colors and would make a nice top weight. (The Mannings in East Berlin also sells this size in about 40 colors.)

Keep in mind, with these finer sizes, you will be sleying at 30 epi or higher. So for a 36" wide piece of fabric, that's 1,080 warp ends. (Commercial fabric is 45" wide). Start with the biggest pattern piece (sleeve?) to plan your warp width.

Make sure you have enough heddles, too! 

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 06:41

CelticCats

Thank you Sally for your suggestions. Greatly appreciated
Mon, 11/17/2014 - 18:56

CelticCats

I recently purchased your Efficient Weaver video download from Interweave.  Wanted to let you know that it is a great video.  I just love the way that you speak; it truly lends one's ear to listen and learn.  Also, I have used several of your great tips and tricks.  Thanks so much for putting the video together!!

Dorn

Tue, 11/18/2014 - 02:35

laurafry

Thanks. It was interesting making it. Still haven't seen it myself as I'm waiting for my copies to arrive. Cheers Laura
Mon, 10/19/2015 - 20:09

CelticCats

I have seen some beautiful apparel patterns made out of linen fabric and actually found a great website for linen at around $10 per yard at 58" to 60" wide.  However, now I am thinking I would like to weave my own fabric but not quite sure what weight linen I would use for a light-weight to medium-weight yarn and should it be single ply or double ply.  I would prefer to use a line linen and at 4 oz. per square yard weight.  Thanks for your expert advice.  =^.^=

Fri, 10/23/2015 - 00:18

Karen6

@dwilliston, I just finished two little linen samples, a total of 35 inches long & 14 inches wide, 40/2 linen warp at 36 epi, 20/1 weft at about 30 ppi.  Less than half a square yard, but they weigh 2.7 ounces.  My samples at 30 epi are still on the loom, but they will likely be lighter and softer.  They are sure easier to beat to square!

Fri, 10/23/2015 - 00:35

CelticCats

Thank you very much Karen6.  I really appreciate the help on this.  I will keep you posted on what I come up with LOL  =^.^=