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Getting Started with Log Cabin Weaving: Simple Techniques for Stunning Results

by Carolyn Heacock

If you’re new to weaving, Log Cabin is a perfect next step—it looks complex, but it’s surprisingly easy to master. It gives the illusion of depth and three-dimensionality, but it actually uses a Plain Weave structure. It belongs to the family of Color-and-Weave techniques which creates visual patterns by placing warp and weft colors in specific orders. Both multi-shaft looms and rigid heddle looms are suitable for Log Cabin weavings.

intro to log cabin weaving
Log Cabin weaving uses two colors, typically a light and a dark, and creates two blocks, one that emphasizes vertical lines and one that emphasizes horizontal lines. Think of it like a checkerboard where the direction of the lines changes from square to square. These blocks are created by alternating the two colors in both the warp and the weft.

The most basic Log Cabin pattern has same-sized squares. Let’s explore how to place the two colors in both the warp and the weft to create beautiful designs.

The Warp

  • Block 1 is warped light, dark, light, dark, light, dark (ABABAB)
  • Block 2 is warped dark, light, dark, light, dark, light (BABABA)
Each time you change blocks, warp two consecutive warp threads of the same color. For example, to create four squares with alternating vertical and horizontal blocks using six warp threads for each square, warp the sequence ABABAB BABABA ABABAB BABABA.

The Weft

To weave square blocks with alternating horizontal and vertical lines, mimic the order of colors used in the warp. For example, for squares of six warp threads, 
  • Weave Block 1 using the sequence ABABAB, and
  • Weave Block 2 using the sequence BABABA
When alternating between the two types of blocks, start the new block with the same color as the last thread in the previous block. 

In the example below, Color A is turquoise and Color B is dark blue. 

color and weave graphic example
To bring this pattern to life, you’ll need to use two shuttles—one for each color. Weaving with two shuttles can be tricky at first. For tips on managing them smoothly and keeping your edges tidy, check out the Gist blog post Carrying Weft Up the Selvedge in Color-and-Weave.

Creative Possibilities

Once you understand the basics of Log Cabin weaving, you can begin to explore other Log Cabin designs. These options can be divided into three categories: Color Play, Texture and Structure, and Design Techniques. 

COLOR PLAY

  1. Use colors with less contrast for a more subtle pattern. 

    log cabin technique example chart
  2. Try variegated yarns. A brightly colored variegated yarn paired with a very dark solid, like navy, brown or black, can create a striking effect.
  3. Experiment with color placement at block borders.
  • Use the darker thread in both the warp and weft to create dark borders.
    log cabin technique example draft
  • Use the lighter thread in both the warp and weft cause the darker lines to appear to float.
    log cabin technique example draft
  • Introduce a third color for the borders to add complexity and depth.
    log cabin weaving sample draft

TEXTURE

  1. Use yarns of different thicknesses or textures to create tactile and more visual interest.
  2. Pack the dents and/or picks to create a denser, more textured fabric.

log cabin technique example towels

DESIGN TECHNIQUES

  1. Vary the width and/or height of the blocks.
    log cabin technique example draft

  2. Incorporate Log Cabin sections into a Plain Weave design. In addition to creating sections of Log Cabin and Plain Weave, this variation also produces sections of tiny windowpanes in the fabric.
    log cabin technique example draft 

Tips for Success

  1. Sample first: Test your yarn choices and pattern on a small sample to see how the colors and textures interact. This helps ensure you’re happy with the final result before committing to a full project. 
  2.  Track your color order: Keep a simple chart or sticky note near your loom to help you remember the color sequence as you weave. This is especially helpful when using more than one shuttle and complex patterns.

Log Cabin is often used in home décor projects like table runners, placemats, and hand towels, as well as in fashion accessories such as scarves, shawls, and bags. A couple of Gist Log Cabin patterns you might want to take a look at are the Log Cabin Interrupted Scarf and the Magic Dance Runner.

There’s no limit to the ways you can mix colors and patterns with this fun and flexible technique. Enjoy exploring log cabin designs and applications – we can’t wait to see what you create! Be sure to share your projects with us on Instagram @gistyarn.

 

All images and graphics courtesy of Carolyn Heacock.

 

About Carolyn Heacock

When Carolyn Heacock was in elementary school, she wove a small basket in art class. That project planted the weaving seed in her, which wasn’t watered until January 2020, when she took her first weaving class. She’s never looked back. Since then, she has acquired a rigid heddle loom, two floor looms, and small tapestry looms made by her husband. She loves to weave utilitarian items, including hand towels, placemats, table runners, rugs, scarves, bookmarks, and coasters. In addition to weaving, she enjoys quilting, hiking, bike riding, and spending time with her family.

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