The Magic of Summer and Winter Weaving – A Guide to the Summer and Winter Structure
The Summer and Winter weaving structure, known in French as Été-Hiver, is one of the classic multi-shaft weaving techniques used to create bold and graphic textile patterns. This book offers a modern and accessible exploration of this fascinating structure while showing how it can be used to create both decorative and functional woven textiles.
In The Magic of Summer and Winter Weaving, author Susan Kesler-Simpson guides weavers through the fundamental principles of this technique while presenting inspiring examples and projects. The explanations emphasize understanding the structure so readers can adapt the patterns and develop their own variations.
This book is an excellent resource for anyone wishing to deepen their knowledge of the Summer and Winter weaving technique and explore new creative possibilities at the loom.
Quick overview
• Book dedicated to the Summer and Winter weaving technique
• Clear explanations and inspiring textile projects
• Ideal for exploring block-based weaving patterns
• Suitable for multi-shaft looms, table looms and floor looms
Detailed description
The Summer and Winter structure, called Été-Hiver in French, belongs to the family of traditional block weaves. This technique produces strong, well-defined patterns through the interaction between the warp and multiple wefts.
Unlike simpler weave structures, Summer and Winter provides great flexibility for creating both repeating and complex designs. By combining different block sequences and colour arrangements, weavers can produce textiles with rich visual effects.
In this book, Susan Kesler-Simpson presents the Summer and Winter structure in a progressive and accessible way. The explanations help weavers understand the logic of the technique so they can adapt it to their own weaving projects.
The examples and projects illustrate how this classic weaving structure can be used to produce both decorative and functional textiles.
What you will learn or discover
• Understanding the Summer and Winter weaving structure
• Reading and interpreting block-based weaving patterns
• Using colour to highlight woven designs
• Adapting the Summer and Winter technique to different projects
• Developing personal pattern variations
Recommended uses
Weaving
• learning the Summer and Winter weaving technique
• inspiration for decorative textile projects
• exploring block-based weaving patterns
Teaching and learning
• educational reference for weaving techniques
• useful resource for weaving classes and workshops
Technical information
The Summer and Winter weaving structure is typically used on:
• multi-shaft looms
• table looms
• floor looms
The technique relies on a block-based system that creates strong pattern contrast using different weft sequences.
The number of shafts required varies depending on the pattern, but the technique is commonly explored on 4 shafts or more.
Technical specifications
Product type: Weaving book
Main technique: Summer and Winter weaving
Author: Susan Kesler-Simpson
Publisher: Stackpole Books
Publication date: March 24, 2026
Pages: 184 pages
ISBN-13: 9780811776509
Language: English
Project type: weaving projects using the Summer and Winter structure