Weaving Western Sakiori

Weaving Western Sakiori is a comprehensive guide to the wonderful world of Japanese rag weaving. Amanda’s years of researching the history of Sakiori have lead her to a clear understanding of the techniques used for weaving Sakiori and to develop her own style of weaving Sakiori, which she shares with all of us in the projects suggested in the book. –Tom Knisely, author of Weaving Rag Rugs, Handwoven Table Linens, and Handwoven Baby Blankets – Tom KniselyTraditional Japanese sakiori rag weaving originated as a way to deal with a scarcity of new textiles to be made into clothing. And while many of Robinette’s 21 weaving projects adhere to that tradition by repurposing old materials, a variety of the projects incorporate new textiles, tools and techniques, including rigid heddle and floor looms. There is a sett chart for rag weaving with common warp yarns, a wet-finishing chart, and instructions for preparing your chosen material. One of Robinette’s inspirations offers a creative way to preserve a wedding dress as a keepsake bed runner. If only the book could supply the courage needed to make those one-of-a-kind cuts!

Amanda Robinette has spent the past seven years delving deeply into learning about and weaving sakiori. She has experimented with different fabrics and weave structures and focuses on making unexpected projects from rag weaving, including clothing. Her articles and projects can be found in Handwoven magazine, and she has been teaching and speaking about sakiori since 2014. She also shares her enthusiasm for sakiori and for weaving in general on her blog. She resides in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.