January 2025
We begin the year with the boat-neck flat warp sprang shirt. This is the method used by the ancient textile artist who created the Arizona Openwork shirt.
You set up a warp, long enough to extend from the hemline at the back, up over the shoulder, and extending to the hemline at the front. You will make the front of the shirt at the same time as the back of the shirt, two rectangles, that you cut apart, and join at the shoulders and along the side seams. As you do this, there are several techniques that you might find interesting, that will come in handily for shaping and for finishing. |
The basic strategy this month is a flat warp. Make the front of the shirt at the same time as you make the back of the shirt, cut apart, and assemble.
Calculate the amount of yarn needed for your project. Make a small sample, taking note of the starting length and number of threads. Measure the piece widthwise and lengthwise after blocking.
Decide the size of your finished garment. Measure from shoulder to hemline for length. You will need at least twice this length, and add to it the length required for uptake and also for managing and tying knots.
Measure around the body for width. You only need to make cloth that is half the width. Make a swatch and then block the swatch. Calculate width using the swatch measurements AFTER blocking.
Decide the size of your finished garment. Measure from shoulder to hemline for length. You will need at least twice this length, and add to it the length required for uptake and also for managing and tying knots.
Measure around the body for width. You only need to make cloth that is half the width. Make a swatch and then block the swatch. Calculate width using the swatch measurements AFTER blocking.
This is a shirt I made in August 2024, specially for this Year of the Sprang Shirt.
I photographed the process and made videos .... hoping it would be easier to understand and follow along.
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The various steps in finishing ... where you might want to watch a video .... #1 cut apart and tie those nice knots that hang straight down.
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#2 Firm up the loops at the ends of the cloth, so they make a more solid neckline and shoulder seam.
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#3 Secure the last loop of the chain, and sew the side seam
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#4 Create a button hole, and secure the side seam sewing thread in a knot.
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