The Show Towel Weaving Pattern Download

The Show Towel by Tom Knisely

Show off your stuff with these 4-shaft overshot towels inspired by the traditional show towels found in both the old world and the new.

When German immigrants moved to Pennsylvania in the early 18th century they brought with them many traditions, one of which was the show towel. The show towels was not meant to be used, but rather to show off the technical prowess of the creator and it would be proudly displayed in the home. While these traditional Pennsylvania Dutch towels used needlework to create the patterns, these towels designed by master weaver and historical textile aficionado Tom Knisely use 4-shaft overshot to create the same effect. Woven in 8/2 cotton using colors that would have been traditionally used for the original show towels, these towels are a new take on a centuries old tradition.

Equipment Needed: 4-shaft loom with 18” weaving width; 10-dent reed; 3 shuttles, 4 bobbins.