How to Weave With Tencel Yarn

Tencel is the modern and environmentally friendly alternative to silks our ancestors never had.

Tencel is an environmentally friendly fiber favored by many weavers. Derived from wood pulp, Tencel is manufactured using a "closed loop" system, with all of the solvent continually being reused. Available in a multitude of colors, It creates a soft, silky fabric which drapes well and is strong and cool. It is often chosen for its beautiful sheen, which many weavers enjoy.

Things You'll Need

• Weaving loom
• Pattern which uses silk or cotton
• Washing basin
• Dryer
• Iron
• Fabric softener sheets

Instructions

How to Weave with Tencel Fiber

1. Choose a project that normally would require silk or cotton. The only projects Tencel is not suitable for are towels or table linens that would require a great deal of absorption.

2. Set up your loom and weave as you would with any other fiber.

3. When you have finished your weaving, hand wash your fabric in cool to warm water using a mild detergent. Roll it in a towel and hang it to air dry. Once it has dried, iron it using lots of steam.

4. Soften the drape of the fabric by putting the item in a dryer with a sheet of fabric softener.

Tips & Warnings

• Extremely hot water will cause Tencel to shrink.

References

• "Tencel Facts"; July 2011
• "Tencel"; Madelyn van der Hoogt; October 2009
• "Washing Tencel"; Bonnie; September 2007;