Common Weaves
What It Does
Common Weaves gives you instant access to 18 weave structures, organized into six categories. Instead of building a threading, tie-up, and treadling from scratch, you select a weave, adjust its parameters, and apply it to your draft. TempoWeave generates the complete structure — threading, tie-up, and treadling — ready for you to customize with your own colors, sett, and dimensions.
Whether you need a quick plain weave to start a project, a specific twill for sampling, or a complex block weave as a foundation, Common Weaves saves you the setup time.
Opening Common Weaves
Ribbon: Design tab > Weave Explorer group > Common Weaves button
The dialog opens as a separate window.
The Dialog
Category Filter
A dropdown at the top filters the weave list by category. Choose "All" to see every weave, or select a specific category to narrow the list.
Weave List
The left panel lists all weaves in the selected category. Click a weave to select it and see its parameters and description.
Parameters
The right panel shows adjustable settings for the selected weave:
Shafts — The number of shafts the weave uses. Some weaves have a fixed shaft count (like Plain Weave at 2); others let you scale up (like Satin from 5 to higher counts).
Treadles — The number of treadles. For many weaves this auto-syncs with the shaft count. Others (like Monk's Belt with its 6 treadles) have independent treadle counts.
Weave-specific parameters — Each weave may have additional settings like Float Ratio, Block Size, Group Size, or Cell Size. These are described in the weave listings below.
Warp Threads — How many warp threads to generate (4–3,500).
Weft Picks — How many weft picks to generate (4–40,000).
The threading and treadling tile (repeat) to fill the specified thread and pick counts.
Description
A text area below the parameters describing the selected weave — its character, traditional uses, and what makes it distinctive.
Weave Library
Basic (4 weaves)
Plain Weave
The simplest and most common weave structure. Each warp thread alternates over one, under one weft thread. Creates a balanced, stable fabric.
Shafts: 2 (fixed)
Treadles: 2 (fixed)
Also known as tabby
Basket Weave
Groups of threads pass over and under together, creating a softer, more flexible fabric than plain weave with a distinctive checkered texture.
Shafts: 2–4
Group Size: 2×2, 3×3, or 4×4 — how many threads travel together
Rib Weave
Creates pronounced ridges running either vertically or horizontally across the fabric.
Shafts: 2 (fixed)
Treadles: 2 (fixed)
Rib Direction: Warp Rib (horizontal ridges) or Weft Rib (vertical ridges)
Rib Size: 2–6 — the width of each rib in threads
Canvas Weave
An extended plain weave that produces a heavier, more textured fabric. Groups of threads interlace in a plain-weave pattern.
Shafts: 4–8
Rib Factor: 2–4 — threads per interlacement unit
Twill Family (5 weaves)
Straight Twill
The fundamental twill — diagonal lines running across the fabric. The foundation for countless textile designs.
Shafts: 4 (fixed)
Treadles: 4 (fixed)
Float Ratio: 2/2, 3/1, 1/3, 2/1, or 1/2 — how many threads float over vs. under
Point Twill
The diagonal reverses direction, creating V-shapes or diamond patterns. Both threading and treadling use a reversing (point) sequence.
Shafts: 4 (fixed)
Treadles: 4 (fixed)
Float Ratio: 2/2, 3/1, 1/3, 2/1, or 1/2
Herringbone
Point threading combined with straight treadling produces the characteristic zigzag pattern seen in classic coats and suits.
Shafts: 4 (fixed)
Treadles: 4 (fixed)
Float Ratio: 2/2, 3/1, 1/3, 2/1, or 1/2
Goose Eye
A diamond variation of point twill. The distinctive "eye" shapes appear at the center of each diamond, created by the tie-up pattern.
Shafts: 4 (fixed)
Treadles: 4 (fixed)
Float Ratio: 2/2, 1/3, or 3/1
Rosepath
A traditional Swedish weave structure that creates diamond motifs resembling rose petals. Uses point threading with tromp-as-writ treadling (treadling matches threading).
Shafts: 4–8
No additional parameters
Satin (1 weave)
Satin / Sateen
Long floats create a smooth, lustrous surface. Satin is warp-faced (warp threads dominate the surface); sateen is weft-faced.
Shafts: 5 (fixed)
Treadles: 5 (fixed)
Move Number: 2–11 — the step between interlacement points. Must be coprime with the shaft count to ensure even distribution. TempoWeave validates this automatically.
Warp Faced: Check for satin (warp on top), uncheck for sateen (weft on top)
Textured (6 weaves)
Crepe Weave
An irregular interlacement that avoids any visible diagonal or pattern. The surface has a pebbly, textured character — no straight lines anywhere.
Shafts: 4 (fixed)
Treadles: 4 (fixed)
No additional parameters
Bedford Cord
Raised lengthwise cords separated by fine divider threads. A classic structure for trousers, upholstery, and outerwear.
Shafts: 4–8
Cord Width: 4–12 (even numbers) — threads per cord
Rep Weave
A warp-faced structure where the weft is completely hidden. Creates thick, firm fabric with bold vertical stripes defined by color.
Shafts: 4–8
Block Size: 4–16 — warp threads per color block. Excellent for rugs, belts, and bags.
Waffle Weave
Creates a three-dimensional grid of cells that trap air, making the fabric highly absorbent. The classic structure for kitchen towels and dishcloths.
Shafts: 4 (fixed)
Treadles: 4 (fixed)
No additional parameters
Honeycomb
Creates three-dimensional hexagonal cells. Like waffle weave but with a different cell geometry. Excellent for towels and thermal fabrics.
Shafts: 4–8
Cell Size: 4–12 — threads per cell
Crackle Weave
A block weave where each block shares border threads with its neighbors, creating a distinctive textured surface with a "crackle" effect.
Shafts: 4–8
Block Sequence: A-B-C-D, A-B-A-C, A-B-C-B, or A-B — the order of blocks in the pattern
Block Repeat: 3–9 — threads per block unit
Block Weaves (4 weaves)
M's and O's
Alternating blocks of warp-dominant and weft-dominant areas create a textured surface. A versatile 4-shaft structure popular for towels and placemats.
Shafts: 4 (fixed)
Treadles: 4 (fixed)
Block Size: 3–15 — threads per block (odd numbers recommended for best results)
Monk's Belt
An overshot-like pattern with a plain weave ground. Blocks of pattern floats appear on a stable tabby base. Originally used for Scandinavian bedcovers.
Shafts: 4 (fixed)
Treadles: 6 (fixed) — 2 tabby treadles + 4 pattern treadles
Block Width: 3–15 — threads per pattern block (odd numbers recommended)
Summer and Winter
A versatile block weave where each block can independently be warp-dominant or weft-dominant. Produces reversible fabric — the pattern on the back is the inverse of the front.
Shafts: 4–16
No additional parameters
Uses 2 tie-down shafts plus N pattern shafts (blocks = shafts minus 2)
Overshot
The quintessential American handweaving tradition. Pattern weft floats over a plain weave ground, creating bold geometric designs.
Shafts: 4–8
Block Sequence: A-B-C-D, A-B-A-C, A-B-C-B, or A-B
Block Repeat: 3–11 — pattern threads per block
Lace (3 weaves)
Huck Lace
Alternating sections of plain weave and float create a lacy texture that opens up when the fabric is washed and relaxed.
Shafts: 4–8
Block Size: 3–11 (odd numbers recommended)
Bronson Lace
A spot-pattern lace where shaft 1 serves as a ground thread in every block. Simpler to thread than Huck lace, with float areas that open into delicate windows when washed.
Shafts: 4–8
Block Size: 3–11 (odd numbers recommended)
Swedish Lace
Alternating blocks of plain weave and openwork. The plain areas contract while the lace areas open when the fabric is wet-finished, creating a beautiful dimensional effect.
Shafts: 4–8
Block Size: 3–11 (odd numbers recommended)
How to Use It
Go to Design tab > Common Weaves
Browse by category or select "All"
Click a weave to see its description and parameters
Adjust the parameters for your project:
Set the shaft and treadle counts (if adjustable)
Configure weave-specific settings (float ratio, block size, etc.)
Set warp thread and weft pick counts for your project dimensions
Click Apply
The complete structure — threading, tie-up, and treadling — is generated and applied to your draft
Add your colors, adjust sett and beat, and you're ready to weave
Step-by-Step Example: Setting Up a Waffle Weave Towel
You want to weave kitchen towels in waffle weave:
Open a new draft
Go to Design tab > Common Weaves
Select Textured category, then Waffle Weave
Set Warp Threads to 200 and Weft Picks to 300 (adjust for your towel dimensions)
Click Apply
TempoWeave generates the complete 4-shaft waffle structure
Add your warp and weft colors
Set sett and beat for your yarn weight
Step-by-Step Example: Sampling Twill Variations
You want to weave samples of different twill ratios:
Open Common Weaves and select Straight Twill
Set Float Ratio to "2/2" and apply — this is a balanced twill
Note the pattern, then undo (Ctrl+Z)
Change Float Ratio to "3/1" and apply — this is a warp-dominant twill
Compare the two patterns
Try "1/3" for a weft-dominant version
Each variation shows how the float ratio changes the fabric's drape and appearance
Tips
Start here for new projects — Common Weaves is the fastest way to set up a draft with a proven structure. Apply the weave, then customize.
Undo works — Ctrl+Z reverts the entire weave application.
Tiling fills your draft — The threading and treadling automatically repeat to fill your specified warp and weft dimensions.
Odd block sizes — For block weaves (M's and O's, Monk's Belt, lace weaves), odd block sizes generally produce more balanced, attractive patterns.
Float ratio matters — In twills, 2/2 creates a balanced fabric; 3/1 is warp-dominant (smoother face); 1/3 is weft-dominant. The ratio significantly affects drape and texture.
Scale up with shafts — Weaves with variable shaft counts (like Summer and Winter or the lace weaves) gain more pattern blocks as you add shafts. More shafts means more independent design areas.
Combine with Color Weave Explorer — Apply a Common Weave for the structure, then use the Color Weave Explorer to set up a color-and-weave pattern on top of it.
Quick Reference
Basic
Plain Weave, Basket Weave, Rib Weave, Canvas Weave
Twill Family
Straight Twill, Point Twill, Herringbone, Goose Eye, Rosepath
Satin
Satin / Sateen
Textured
Crepe, Bedford Cord, Rep Weave, Waffle, Honeycomb, Crackle
Block Weaves
M's and O's, Monk's Belt, Summer and Winter, Overshot
Lace
Huck Lace, Bronson Lace, Swedish Lace
Threading
Complete shaft assignments, tiled to warp thread count
Tie-up
Full shaft-to-treadle connection matrix
Treadling
Complete treadle sequence, tiled to weft pick count
Mode
Tie-up mode (not liftplan)
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