Weaving Iridescence – A Book on Iridescent Effects in Weaving

Iridescence in weaving is a fascinating phenomenon where the colour of a textile appears to shift depending on the angle of light or the viewer’s perspective. This visual illusion is created by the subtle interaction between warp and weft colours, producing fabrics with remarkable depth and vibrancy.

Weaving Iridescence explores this intriguing effect and shows how weavers can use colour contrast to create luminous and dynamic textiles. The book provides valuable insights into the principles behind iridescent effects and demonstrates how they can be incorporated into a wide range of weaving projects.

Through clear explanations and inspiring examples, this book invites weavers to explore a dimension of textile design that is both visually striking and creatively rewarding.

Quick overview

• Book dedicated to iridescent effects in weaving
• Explores colour interaction between warp and weft
• Guide to creating textiles with luminous colour shifts
• Inspiring resource for expanding weaving techniques

Detailed description

Iridescence in weaving occurs when two different colours are used in warp and weft. When these contrasting colours interact within certain weave structures, the resulting fabric can appear to change colour depending on the angle of view or lighting conditions.

This phenomenon is not produced by a specific yarn but by the relationship between colours and the weave structure. Carefully chosen colour combinations—often complementary or strongly contrasting—can produce subtle and vibrant visual effects.

Weaving Iridescence explains how these effects can be achieved and controlled. The book introduces the fundamental principles behind colour interaction and helps weavers understand how weave structures influence the appearance of iridescence.

The examples and projects included demonstrate how to integrate these effects into a variety of woven textiles, opening new creative possibilities for weavers.

What you will learn or discover

• Understanding the phenomenon of iridescence in weaving
• Selecting colour combinations that create iridescent effects
• Understanding how weave structure influences colour perception
• Experimenting with warp and weft colour interactions
• Incorporating iridescent effects into weaving projects

Recommended uses

Weaving

• exploring colour interaction in weaving
• creating textiles with shifting colour effects
• developing colour-based textile designs

Teaching and learning

• educational resource for understanding colour effects in weaving
• inspiration for weaving workshops and classes

Technical information

Iridescence can be achieved in several weaving structures, including:

• plain weave
• twill
• other balanced weave structures

The effect mainly relies on:

• using contrasting colours in warp and weft
• balanced sett that allows both colours to interact visually.

Technical specifications

Product type: Weaving book
Main topic: iridescence in weaving
Author: Bobbie Irwin
Publisher: Stackpole Books
Publication date: September 1, 2017
Pages: 132
Language: English
Project type: colour interaction and iridescent weaving effects