Introduction to weaving a Krokbragd sample on a small square frame loom
In this blog we show how you can weave a Krokbragd sampler on a TabbyandTweed square frame weaving loom. Krokbragd is a traditional weaving technique that originated in Norway with the name translating to 'crooked weave' which refers to the distinctive characteristics of the weaving pattern. The design is weft faced with the warp threads hidden allowing the weaver the freedom to experiment with different patterns and colour combinations.
Why is it a good idea to do a sample weave?
There are several reasons why doing a sample or swatch weave is a good idea. One of the most important reasons is because it gives the weaver the opportunity to trial colours and designs before committing them to a larger project. The sampling process helps to see how different colours, patterns and weave structures work together on a small scale allowing the weaver to then make adjustments if necessary to the final woven piece. The images shown below show a sample weave which was woven ahead of the weaving of a Krokbragd woven wall hanging on a rigid heddle loom.
Setting up the TabbyandTweed frame loom for Krokbragd weaving
In this sample weave a small 13cm square loom was used. A fine cotton thread was used for the warp and we used 8/2 cotton. The warp needs to be strong and ideally much finer than the weft threads. In order to follow the pattern exactly as below you need the number of warp threads to be divisible by 4. A DK woollen yarn was used for the weft. When weaving the idea is that the warp threads are concealed and in order to do this the weft threads need to be beaten down well using the mini comb.
Example pattern for a Krokbragd weave
There are many different variations of a Krokbragd pattern but all use the same three weft row repeat with each pattern created by varying the colours of the weft yarn. The pattern below shows how you can weave a 'flame point' design as shown.
The chart shows four 3 row repeats with each three rows being woven 5 times. Row 1 is the same as row 4 and row 2 is the same as row 5 etc. Weaving starts with row 1 from the bottom upwards.
Moving onto weaving a Krokbragd on a Rigid Heddle Loom
We used one of our rigid heddle looms to weave this wall hanging. They are sold as scarf or cowl weaving kits in our website shop for UK delivery or our Etsy shop for elsewhere and whilst they are supplied with instructions and yarn to weave the scarf or cowl they can of course be used to weave other things. Like the sample weave, 8/2nm fine cotton was used for the warp with a DK woollen yarn was used for the weft. There are a couple of methods which can be used to weave a Krokbragd on a rigid heddle loom, one involving the use of two heddles and the other used here using both a pick up stick and a heddle rod. When using a heddle rod and pick up stick, with the heddle in the down position the pick up stick is used to pick up every other thread and the heddle rod the remaining warp threads.
After the sampling we then made changes to the design with the final weave being made into a small wall hanging.
Conclusion
The hope is that this blog article has provided some inspiration to have a go at weaving a Krokbragd sample on a small frame loom. Of course, you may or may not wish to go onto weave a larger piece of work. If your small frame loom is 15cm or more across then you may simply wish to use your woven piece as a decorative coaster.
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