Krabbasnår (or Krabba), Rölakan, Halvkrabba, Dukagång, and Munkabälte (Monksbelt). These unique weaves have intrigued me since I first saw photos of them. Some of the designs look like hand-stitched embroidery. The Swedish Art Weaves workshop with Joanne Hall introduces the simple techniques used for weaving these traditional patterns. I’m thankful to have the opportunity to learn how to weave these beautiful designs for myself.
Joanne brought examples of Swedish art weaves for the students to view.
Joanne’s presentation to the San Antonio Handweavers Guild was enlightening. Photos of her travels to Sweden show how the rich weaving heritage there continues to thrive. That, along with Joanne’s knowledge of Swedish weaving traditions, gives context to these Swedish art weaves.
Krabbasnår (krabba) is a laid-in technique with a plain weaveground. The pattern uses three strands of wool Fårö yarn. The warp is 16/3 linen.Besides maintaining warp width, the temple is useful for covering up the weft tails to keep them out of the way.Joanne explains the next step to workshop participants.Dukagång is another laid-in technique with a plain weave ground. A batten is placed behind the shafts to make it easy to have the pattern wefts cover two warp threads. (A jack loom can do the same by using half-heddle sticks in front of the shafts.) Dukagång can be woven as a threaded pattern, but then the weaver is limited to that one structure, instead of having different patterns all in the same woven piece.With threaded monksbelt, as I have woven previously, the monksbelt flowers are in a fixed position. With this art weaves monksbelt, the monksbelt flowers can be placed wherever you want them. Half-heddle sticks at the back, batten behind the shafts, and a pick-up stick in front of the reed–a fascinating way to weave this traditional pattern.Last loom standing… Time to pack up. As I prepare the loom for transport, I detach the cloth beam cords. Now we can see the right side of what I have woven.From the top:
Krabbasnår, Rölakan Tapestry, Halvkrabba, Dukagång, and Munkabälte.
Väv 2/2013 has instructions for the art weaves. I have the magazine issue, but Joanne’s workshop brings the historical techniques to life and makes them understandable. That is exactly the prompting I needed to begin exploring these fascinating patterns on my own loom.
Back at home, my little loom is getting ready to weave some more beautiful Swedish art weave designs.
May something historical be your new interest.
Happy Weaving, Karen
22 thoughts on “Swedish Art Weaves with Joanne Hall”
Beautiful! I’m curious, how long did it take to weave this piece?
As with most weft-faced weaves, this is not fast weaving. I was happy to be able to finish this much in a 2 1/2-day workshop. I’m eager to do more of this slower-paced weaving at home.
Brilliant that you were able to take your loom…your beautiful loom…your piece is absolutely lovely. The colors in your top match the colors in your cloth. Fun!!!! And, lovely cloth!!!!
I’m fortunate to have a countermarch loom small enough to be dismantled and relocated. It was a satisfying workshop. So enjoyable to make these unique patterns in the cloth!
Your explanation is bright and helpful. I will shelve these weaving methods. I have been interested in the weaves and you have helped untangle the concepts as well as highlight the various groups of Swedish weave structures.
Hi new weaver, I am not connected with any rigid heddle loom classes. There are some good books on rigid heddle weaving. A book by Syne Mitchell, Liz Gipson, or Jane Patrick would be a great place to start.
Ladella from Portland Oregon actually knows Joanne Hall! Also she went to college with my cousin! I highly recommend her as a weaver with considerable experience! She has a wealth of knowledge and experience! Happy Weaving! I have been weaving forever it seems!
Hi Ladella, How wonderful that you have a personal connection with Joanne. Her weaving knowledge and experience can’t be matched. What I love about Joanne is her kind and gentle manner as she patiently passes on her knowledge to her students.
Hi Arlene, Yes, I recommend Heirlooms of Skåne: Weaving Techniques, by Gunvor Johansson. Vavstuga.com carries the book. The author covers all these techniques in detail. It’s a beautiful book.
Hello
I have admired Joanne Hall’s Swedish art weaves for a while now, but have never managed to get to one of her workshops. I have recently figured out Krokbradg and am keen to try her art weaves. You said that her instructions are in Väv 2013-2, but it is sold out and does not seem to be available digitally. Is there any way to get a copy of her article and instructions (for a fee of course)? Or maybe the book by Gunvor Johansson you recommend is enough.
Thanks. Barbara
Hi Barbara, Joanne referred to the instructions from Väv, but the magazine article is written by Gunvor Johansson. If you are able to get the book, so much the better. The book has everything the magazine article has, and more. It’s a beautiful book, well written, and good illustrations with the instructions.
Beautiful! I’m curious, how long did it take to weave this piece?
Hi Beth,
As with most weft-faced weaves, this is not fast weaving. I was happy to be able to finish this much in a 2 1/2-day workshop. I’m eager to do more of this slower-paced weaving at home.
Thanks,
Karen
Brilliant that you were able to take your loom…your beautiful loom…your piece is absolutely lovely. The colors in your top match the colors in your cloth. Fun!!!! And, lovely cloth!!!!
Hi Charlotte,
I’m fortunate to have a countermarch loom small enough to be dismantled and relocated. It was a satisfying workshop. So enjoyable to make these unique patterns in the cloth!
Thank you,
Karen
Your explanation is bright and helpful. I will shelve these weaving methods. I have been interested in the weaves and you have helped untangle the concepts as well as highlight the various groups of Swedish weave structures.
Hi Vivian, I hope you get a chance to try these interesting weaves. It’s an enjoyable way to spend time at the loom.
Thank you,
Karen
How timely, I’ve just written my deposit check this morning for a guild workshop we’ll be having with Joanne this coming fall.
Hi Cindie, I’m sure you will learn a lot. Joanne has a wealth of experience. I love learning from her.
Happy weaving,
Karen
I recently took the same class with Joanne Hall at the Eugene Textile Center in Eugene, Oregon. Lots of fun, and I learned a lot!
Is your small loom a Glimakra? What is it?
Hi Jane, I agree, this is a really fun workshop.
My little loom is made in the Swedish style. My husband built it for me. He’s pretty amazing.
Karen
Wow…it’s beautiful! How wide is it? Countermarche or counterbalance?
Jane
Jane, The loom has a 27” weaving width. It is countermarch, with 4 shafts, 6 treadles. It weaves like a dream.
Karen
I just got myself a 32 in Heddle. I’d like to make small Matt’s and runners. I live in Chilliwack B.C. Can you direct me to a class?
Hi new weaver, I am not connected with any rigid heddle loom classes. There are some good books on rigid heddle weaving. A book by Syne Mitchell, Liz Gipson, or Jane Patrick would be a great place to start.
All the best,
Karen
Ladella from Portland Oregon actually knows Joanne Hall! Also she went to college with my cousin! I highly recommend her as a weaver with considerable experience! She has a wealth of knowledge and experience! Happy Weaving! I have been weaving forever it seems!
Hi Ladella, How wonderful that you have a personal connection with Joanne. Her weaving knowledge and experience can’t be matched. What I love about Joanne is her kind and gentle manner as she patiently passes on her knowledge to her students.
Thank you for chiming in!
Happy weaving,
Karen
Facinating.. can you suggest a book but I could follow the technique …thanks in advance Arlene
Hi Arlene, Yes, I recommend Heirlooms of Skåne: Weaving Techniques, by Gunvor Johansson. Vavstuga.com carries the book. The author covers all these techniques in detail. It’s a beautiful book.
Happy weaving,
Karen
Hello
I have admired Joanne Hall’s Swedish art weaves for a while now, but have never managed to get to one of her workshops. I have recently figured out Krokbradg and am keen to try her art weaves. You said that her instructions are in Väv 2013-2, but it is sold out and does not seem to be available digitally. Is there any way to get a copy of her article and instructions (for a fee of course)? Or maybe the book by Gunvor Johansson you recommend is enough.
Thanks. Barbara
Hi Barbara, Joanne referred to the instructions from Väv, but the magazine article is written by Gunvor Johansson. If you are able to get the book, so much the better. The book has everything the magazine article has, and more. It’s a beautiful book, well written, and good illustrations with the instructions.
Happy Weaving,
Karen
Thanks! I have ordered the book and look forward to trying this out.
Thanks for your blog–very helpful in this time of covid.
Barbara