weaving with cotton
Image: Skylark Photography Twill weave with a cotton boucle yarn
A Beginner's Guide to Understanding the Different Types
Weaving with cotton is a fantastic option for anyone starting their journey into textile arts. It's an accessible material, offering a balance of ease and versatility that suits a range of projects. Whether you’re looking to create delicate, fine fabrics or bold, textured designs, cotton can do it all. Its slight elasticity makes it forgiving, especially when it comes to warping and beating—sometimes, as they say, “it all comes out in the wash”.
As you start your weaving project, it's essential to consider the function of the fabric you’re creating. Different types of cotton yarns can serve a variety of purposes, and selecting the right one will help you achieve the desired result. Let’s explore the different kinds of cotton and how they can enhance your weaving projects.
Unmercerised Cotton
Unmercerised cotton is in its natural state, untouched by any chemical treatments. It retains a slightly fuzzy texture and is known for its superior wicking properties—ideal for projects that require high absorption, like towels, bathrobes, or kitchen cloths. Because it’s softer and more absorbent than its mercerised counterpart, unmercerised cotton is perfect for items that are meant to be in contact with the skin, offering comfort and durability.
The slightly fuzzy surface also makes unmercerised cotton great for more casual weaving projects, like upholstery fabric, bags, or casual garments, as it provides a soft, cozy feel. The yarn's high absorbency ensures it holds up well in environments like the kitchen and bathroom, where moisture absorption is key.
Mercerised cotton
Mercerised cotton has undergone a special treatment process that smooths the yarn's surface, resulting in a sleek, glossy finish. This process enhances the yarn's sheen and gives it a more polished appearance. The higher shine and smooth texture of mercerised cotton make it ideal for creating elegant, drapey fabrics—perfect for scarves, shawls, and delicate accessories.
However, it’s important to note that mercerised cotton is less absorbent than unmercerised cotton, making it better suited for decorative or lightweight fabric applications rather than utilitarian, moisture-wicking purposes. While some sources may argue otherwise, generally speaking, the process of mercerisation reduces its absorbency but increases its lustrous appeal and ability to hold vibrant colors. If you're looking to make a project that requires a bright, bold pop of color and a soft drape, mercerised cotton is a wonderful choice.
Cotton Boucle
Boucle, a French term meaning "looped," refers to a type of yarn that’s intentionally twisted to create a textured, looped effect. When woven, cotton boucle creates a fabric with a unique, heavy texture, similar to terry cloth, which can add visual interest and depth to any project.
This makes boucle yarn an excellent option for heavier, statement pieces like sun hats, cushion covers, or bags. The textured nature of the boucle yarn adds both character and substance to woven fabrics, making them perfect for functional items that also serve as a design feature. So, if you're looking for a fabric with a bit more personality and structure, cotton boucle will certainly deliver.
Recycled Cotton
Recycled cotton is gaining popularity due to its eco-friendly nature. Made from post-consumer or post-industrial cotton waste, recycled cotton offers a sustainable way to produce high-quality yarn. It's known for being strong and durable, making it an excellent choice for creating structured woven fabrics.
However, while recycled cotton sounds like a great option, be mindful of its composition. Some recycled cotton yarns may contain a significant amount of polyester, which can affect the overall performance and appearance of the fabric. Always check the composition of the yarn before beginning a project, especially if the intended use of the fabric requires particular qualities, such as absorbency, stretch or hypoallergenic qualities.
Choosing the Right Cotton for Your Project
When selecting the type of cotton for your project, it’s important to consider the function of the fabric you’re making. For example, if you’re weaving a towel or bath mat, unmercerised cotton’s high absorbency and soft texture make it the perfect choice. On the other hand, if you’re weaving a scarf or shawl, mercerised cotton will give you a smooth, luxurious feel with its high sheen and drape.
For more structured projects like bags or cushions, cotton boucle or recycled cotton can provide the texture and strength needed to create lasting pieces. By understanding the unique characteristics of each type of cotton, you can choose the right yarn to bring your project to life, ensuring both functionality and beauty.
Join Corrin for a Beginner's Weaving Workshop
Ready to dive into the world of weaving? Join Corrin for a hands-on WEAVING BASICS 1, where you'll learn the fundamentals of fibres, yarns and fabrics and technical knowledge of weaving on a loom.
It’s a fun, supportive environment with no prior weaving experience required!
