Silk Weaving

SAORI weaving focuses on simple and expressive design. If you’re interested in silk weaving in the SAORI way, here are some tips to help you get the most out of this beautiful yarn:

Understand the Basics of SAORI Weaving

• The SAORI loom allows for free and creative weaving. We have different sizes and styles of SAORI looms for sale in our shop.

• Self-Expression: SAORI emphasizes creativity, imperfection, and individual expression. The style encourages improvisation, often combining various weaving yarns and weaving methods.

Select Your Silk Yarn 

• Silk for Texture: SAORI weaving can create wonderfully textured pieces. It works best by using different types of silk yarns.  I currently have cultivated silk, tussah silk and some lovely textured silk yarns.

• Varying Thicknesses: SAORI weaving often incorporates multiple yarn thicknesses, so consider mixing silk yarns of varying weights.

• Colour Palette: SAORI weavers use a wide variety of colours in their work, often in unexpected combinations. You can enhance silk’s natural shine by using colour contrasts and hand dyed yarn.

Set Up Your Warp

• Simple Warp Setup: The warp for SAORI weaving doesn’t need to follow any rigid structure. You can create a simple warp, leaving spaces between threads for more organic results. Consider weaving with uneven tension on the warp to allow more freedom in your design.

• Add Texture: Use different textures in the warp. Mix thicker threads or non-traditional materials, like art yarn, metallic or wool yarns, with the silk threads.

Explore Weft Variations

• Layered Weft: SAORI weaving shines in the weft, as artists often build up with layers of silk to create texture. You can create raised areas, uneven edges, or even folds in the fabric. You can also try mixing multiple weft threads at once for added texture, just wind them together onto a bobbin before weaving.

• Manipulate the Weft: Don’t be afraid to use different colours, materials, or weights in a random way. This will create contrast and make your weaving more interesting.

Embrace Imperfection

• As you weave, allow for irregularities and mistakes to guide the design. Incorporate these imperfections into your piece to add to its character.  We call these “mistakes” Design Elements – an opportunity to create new and unique designs.

• Organic Flow: Let the threads guide you rather than forcing them.  Allow the natural flow of fibres to create something unique and expressive.

Finish with Care

• Gentle Finishing: Once your piece is woven, it’s important to finish it carefully. Silk requires a delicate approach, so wash gently by hand using cool water and a mild detergent. Avoid wringing it out.  You can also wash it in the machine on a gentle or delicate cycle and hang to dry.

• Pressing and Setting the Design: After washing, lay the piece flat to dry. You can press the fabric gently with a warm iron to set the texture. Use a pressing cloth to prevent direct contact with the iron, this will avoid scorching the silk.

By using these tips and embracing the natural style of SAORI weaving, you can create unique and textured pieces. These pieces will showcase the luxurious beauty of silk. Remember, SAORI is about the journey as much as the final weaving. Enjoy the process of discovery and creativity!

We offer classes and creative retreats in Canada.

Visit our shop to see our full list of silk yarn and start your next project. If you’re looking to order yarn online in Canada, we can ship throughout the country.

Please contact us or check out our upcoming classes to see our upcoming art retreats. We offer many of them online or look for art retreats near me!

Happy Weaving,

Terri