I like to use 40"-45" for baby blankets. Easily done on the LeClerc. I decided to try a double width doubleweave project to see if my skills are up for doing blankets in TWO layers. I have only done doubleweave samplers following the excellent instructions published by Jennifer Moore in her "DoubleWeave Basics Book".
I had a bin of wools that needed to be used (part of the downsizing) and so I planned a project for a large wool throw blanket. I decided to use the LeClerc loom because the Harrisville had another project going.
I put on a width of ~33" as two layers. Since the LeClerc only has 4-shaft that meant each layer could only be plain weave. The opening would be on the right and the 'crease' or midline, would be on the left. I also sleyed the sett more loosely right at the midline, and added a nylon floating selvedge.
The challenge of doublewidth is to only join the layers at the midline. In this case it was the left edge. During the first 12" or so I checked my layers every few minutes by lifting the shafts for the top layer and peeking in the side. After 12 inches I felt more confidence and just wove carefully (and more slowly). I did find myself catching threads, but less frequently than I worried.
Sure, but the real test is when it is off the loom. I was SO VERY HAPPY when I found only one small error where the layers were joined! The fix was pretty quick and easy since it is loosely sett plain weave.I need to finish the twisted fringe and wash to see how the midline will look. I will post some additional pics with the completed blanket.
