Trois Temps Weaving Pattern – 3 Linen Dish Towels – 4 Shafts
Trois Temps is a weaving pattern for creating three linen dish towels on a 4-shaft loom. A single warp and the same threading are used to explore three weave structures: plain weave, basket weave and twill.
The same two-colour palette is carried through all three towels, while the weave structure changes the appearance of the cloth. Trois Temps is an opportunity to see how different structures can transform the same setup while creating a coordinated set of useful handwoven towels.
Designed for an advanced beginner, this project is a great way to build confidence on a 4-shaft loom, compare three fundamental weave structures and discover the unique qualities of weaving with linen.
At a glance
✔ PDF pattern available for immediate download
✔ Available in French or English
✔ Level: Advanced Beginner
✔ Loom: Shaft loom
✔ Minimum number of shafts: 4
✔ Structures: Plain weave, basket weave and twill
✔ Project: 3 linen dish towels
The project
Trois Temps allows you to weave three linen dish towels, each measuring approximately 22 × 30 in (56 × 76 cm) after washing, excluding fringe.
All three towels are woven using the same loom setup. The two-colour palette remains consistent throughout the project, while changes in weave structure create three different fabrics and highlight the possibilities of a 4-shaft loom.
What's included in the pattern
- Instructions for preparing the warp, setting up the loom and weaving
- Warp and weft colour orders
- Complete weaving drafts for all three structures
- Finishing instructions with hemstitching and short fringe
- Optional hemmed finish
- Tips for weaving with linen
Project details
- Project type: Dish towels
- Structures: Plain weave, basket weave and twill
- Level: Advanced Beginner
- Loom: Shaft loom
- Minimum number of shafts: 4
- Reed: 10 dent
- Finished dimensions: approximately 22 × 30 in (56 × 76 cm) after washing, excluding fringe
- Number of pieces: 3
- Yarn: 16/2 linen
Recommended yarn
Trois Temps can be woven with Normandy Linen 16/2 or Bockens Linen 16/2. Both are well suited to this project and to the crisp, durable fabric expected from handwoven linen dish towels.
Linen is an excellent fibre for kitchen textiles: strong and absorbent, it becomes progressively softer and more pleasant to use with repeated washing.
The project uses two colours. Exact yarn quantities and warp preparation details are provided in the pattern.
Another 16/2 linen with comparable characteristics may also be used.
Explore more
Explore shaft loom patterns Explore all weaving projects Tips for weaving with linen
Frequently asked questions
Is this a printed pattern?
No. This is a PDF pattern available for immediate download after purchase.
Which languages are available?
The pattern is available in French or English.
Can I use a different yarn?
Yes. Normandy Linen 16/2 and Bockens Linen 16/2 are recommended, but another 16/2 linen with comparable characteristics may also be used.
Do I need to change the loom setup between the three towels?
No. All three towels use the same loom setup. The pattern provides the instructions needed to weave each of the three structures.
What loom do I need for Trois Temps?
The pattern is designed for a 4-shaft loom with sufficient weaving width to produce a towel measuring approximately 22 in (56 cm) wide after finishing.