A Handweaver's Pattern Book

by Marguerite Porter Davison

Pick the perfect pattern every time! Sought after for nearly a century, A Handweaver's Pattern Book is the venerable compendium of weaving patterns found in early 20th century America by Marguerite Davison. Weavers of all experience levels can learn everything from basic twills to over-shot and irregular patterns. Often hailed "the handweaver's bible," this collection of patterns is complemented with fascinating textile history and helpful black-and-white photos. Numerous treadlings, illustrated with over 1,200 weavings, accompany each design that inspire innovation for expert weavers as well as provide helpful information for weavers who have yet reached that level. Davison also includes a yarn comparison chart in this comprehensive and highly visual guide. Perfect for both commercial and home weavers, this extensive handbook of strikingly diverse patterns will keep any four-harness weaver busy for years to come!

142 pages, Paperback

First published November 18, 2014

About the author

Marguerite Porter Davison began her career at Berea College under the guidance of Mrs. Anna Ernberg, who was encouraging the mountain people to bring forth their traditional colonial weaving patterns. As Mrs. Ernberg's assistant, Mrs. Davison became thoroughly familiar with these well-established and long-loved patterns.

Despite the cares of raising a family and of time generously given to numerous worthy causes, Mrs. Davison engaged extensively in weaving, teaching and lecturing. In later years much of her efforts were devoted to writing and publishing. She was an active member of the Associated Hand Weavers and of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen.

Today her published works live on, ensuring that her weaving patterns remain in the hearts and hands of those who carry on the tradition.

Reviews

[Clif Brittain · Rating 3 out of 5]

An inferior reprint of the original. All of the patterns I’ve woven turn out all right, but the photographs that are supposed to illustrate the woven pattern I’ve found to be nearly useless. I just follow the directions, but I really have no idea what is coming out until I weave it.

I am constantly going to the library to consult the green edition of the book. Eventually I may find a copy of the green edition at a reasonable price, or I may tire of going to the library and buy a copy at three times the price of this red edition.

If you are serious about weaving, buy the green edition used.

[Catherine · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a reprint of an early edition that Margaurite P. Davison later revised as it had many errors.