Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to weave a towel? 

That's a complicated answer, but I'll do my best.

LONG ANSWER 

The planning stages look like this:

1. deciding on a pattern, deciding on colors, color placement within the pattern, and calculating yards and pounds of cotton needed (LOTS of math). I use a computer program to design with color and decide on placement. Then I have to check my inventory and place an order for the yarn I'll need, if I don't have it in stock. This first step can take minutes, hours, or days. 

2. Next I make the warp. Depending on whether I'm making a colorful warp, or just a plain white one, I can wind the warp on my warping mill in an hour, or it might take several hours. For the sake of simplicity, let's say I have about 5 hours total in these two steps. 

3. Dressing the loom. Putting the warp on the loom, threading the heddles, sleying the reed, tying onto the apron, and getting good tension can take a few hours, let's say 5 hours on a good day. So now we are 10 hours in, and haven't begun weaving it yet. 

4. Weaving (also known as the FUN part) is different for every project. I can weave a hand towel in about 35 minutes. If I've put on a 24 yard warp, that means I'll make around 24 towels, and I will have approximately 13.5 hours of weaving time at the loom. 

5. Finishing the towels takes several hours as well. They must be hemmed with tags put on, washed, dried, trimmed, ironed, photographed, and posted for sale. These steps can take an entire day, but we'll call it 8 hours. 

SHORT ANSWER

It takes about 32-ish hours to weave 24 towels. 

 

HOW DO I CARE FOR MY HANDWOVEN TOWELS? 

Your handwoven towels are 100% cotton, including the hems and tags. They are machine washable in any temperature, and dryer safe. NEVER USE FABRIC SOFTENER OR DRYER SHEETS ON YOUR TOWELS. These products contain waxes and will coat your towels and prevent them from absorbing water. If you want your towels to remain soft and absorbent, never use dryer sheets or fabric softeners. 

DO YOU TAKE CUSTOM ORDERS? 

I do. Simply contact me at handwovenbyjen@gmail.com to discuss whatever project you have in mind. I can make fabric for nearly any project.