Some questions have come my way since my recent post on bulky yarns, and I realized one thing I didn’t cover: what will happen if a weaver decides to weave a square using bulky yarn in all four layers?

Answer: it will be doable but difficult.

Here we have some pretty Patons Classic Wool Roving yarn–suitable for dyeing, less suitable for 4-layer pin loom weaving.

Patons Classic Wool Roving yarn. It has twist, so it won't tear apart easily. It's pretty and smooth--a dream to weave with, but not on this loom (unless you like nightmares).

Patons Classic Wool Roving yarn. It has twist, so it won’t tear apart easily. It’s pretty and smooth–a dream to weave with, but not on this loom (unless you like nightmares).

In case you’re unsure what I mean when I say this is a “Bulky (#5) weight yarn,” here’s a photo to help you out:

A close-up of the label shows the weight category of the yarn.

A close-up of the label shows the weight category of the yarn.

When weaving with four layers of bulky yarn–starting at the halfway point and continuing to the end of the square, it will be difficult to keep the fell line horizontal. The needle won’t go straight through to the other side. You can pack the yarn down, but it won’t be easy. The stress on the loom pins may loosen them–particularly if you’re using a wooden loom. This is why I recommend mixing bulky and lighter weight yarn (mix so that bulky yarn only makes up half of the 31, i.e. use bulky in L1&2 or 3&4, otherwise you’ll still be cramming 31 bulky strands together), or warping with 23 strands instead of 31.

Square in progress. Notice the slanted fell line. The needle doesn't want to exit the row in the right place.

Square in progress. Notice the slanted fell line. The needle doesn’t want to exit the row in the right place.

The finished square on the loom.

The finished square on the loom.

The finished square is thick, and doesn’t drape. Roving yarn packs down pretty well. Other bulky yarns can be made to fit on the loom, but the thrill of the weaving experience likely will be reduced.

Finished square off the loom.

Finished square off the loom. Beautiful in its pristinity, it should also look beautiful dyed.

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