Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

AN OVERLOOKED CROCHET THREAD

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carpetwarpcolors.jpg

I love cotton warp. Never heard of it? Well, you wouldn’t be the only crocheter whose never seen or heard of carpet warp. It comes in fibers other than cotton, but cotton is my favorite. It’s not easy to find unless you have access to a large store for weavers. As the name states, it’s the fiber used by weavers to thread the warp (longitudinal threads) of their loom. But, it’s fantastically useful for crocheters too – especially if you are one who wants to crochet potholders, rugs, or other stuff that you want to be durable and/or heat resistant.

The weight of cotton warp is similar to sport weight, making it very flexible to use. It can be doubled to create a chunky weight to make a hammock, for instance. While I wouldn’t recommend it for creating a sweater, it might work well for toddler pants or adult mittens that will see hard use.

It has a lot of body and holds stitches well. Also, it comes in a wonderful array of colors, making shopping for it a lot of fun. Carpet fiber is inexpensive enough that you can treat yourself to a few cones of it without making a huge investment. So, if you’re tired of the same old size 10 threads from your local big box store, explore the world of carpet warp. Here’s a link to a site that carries all the colors available (as far as I know) in cotton and carries the other fibers available also.

http://www.camillavalleyfarm.com/knit/rugwarp.htm#cotton

I have no connection to the site above and I’ve never bought anything from them, but I do like the picture of all the cotton warp colors available. I’m fortunate to have a local source for this stuff (the weaving dept).

Comments

  1. Thank you for this source. Do you think this is a good item to make market bags?

  2. Carpet warp is absolutely awesome for market bags. I first learned about it on a trip to New Orleans before Katrina. We were wandering around the French Quarter and I saw a rug shop and peeked inside. she had some ends and I bought several. I wish I would have bought more.

  7. I’m the only one in this world. Can please someone join me in this life? Or maybe death…

  8. Can this Carpet Warp be used for making table cloths? Like using the size 10 or size 5 or 3 threads? That’s what I need a large cone for.
    Tks.

  9. Carpet warp is great for making table cloths and large doilies or runners. It’s durable and easy to work with. It’s really just thicker Mercerized cotton thread.

  10. first time to here, test post only ,thank you
    first time to here, test post only ,thank you

Have you read?

The Forest Valley Shawl – Crochet Pattern

This is one of those shawl patterns that feels instantly calming, even before you pick up a hook. The Forest Valley Shawl (After Party Pattern 23) by Scheepjes, available through Jimmy Beans Wool, has a very gentle, nature-inspired feel that really lives up to its name.

What I love about this design is how wearable it is. Some shawls are beautiful but awkward to style; this one feels practical in the best way. It drapes naturally, sits nicely on the shoulders, and works just as well for everyday wear as it does for something a little dressier. It’s the sort of piece you grab when the air cools in the evening and you don’t want anything heavy.

From a crochet perspective, this is a lovely “slow and steady” project. The stitch pattern has enough variation to keep your interest, but it’s not overly complicated. It’s very much the kind of crochet you can sink into — the sort that lets your mind wander while your hands keep moving. Perfect for quiet afternoons or evening crochet sessions.

Skill-wise, this one is best suited to confident beginners moving into intermediate territory. If you’re comfortable following a pattern and keeping your stitch count in check, you’ll enjoy this a lot. It’s also a great pattern for appreciating beautiful yarn — especially colourways that shift and flow, as the shawl really lets them shine.

Overall, the Forest Valley Shawl is one of those free crochet patterns that feels thoughtful and soothing. It’s wearable, relaxing to make, and finished with a look that feels timeless rather than trendy. If you enjoy shawls that are as comforting to crochet as they are to wear, this one is definitely worth bookmarking.