Huck, or Swedish Weaving

Swedish weaving is an old craft with colored threads working designs upwards in repeating patterns to make a repetitive motif. This type weaving is a surface embroidery where the floss/yarn is woven under the top threads of the fabric "floats". Rarely does the floss penetrate to the wrong side of the fabric.

While doing a bit of web surfing regarding this embroidery craft, I came across an interesting blog about huck weaving. It can be found at Quilting Memories, along with an explanation of Swedish weaving (huck weaving).

Another site, with a “how-to” guide on this type fabric embellishment is found at Huck Embroidery How-To.

... Monk's Cloth has become popular for making afghans, baby blankets, pillows, and even tote bags. Aida cloth can be used as well as most pre-finished items used for cross stitch such as towels, bookmarks, and baby bibs. When working on Monk's cloth, which is approximately 8 squares per inch or 4 floats, with yarn, you may use a size #16 or #13 tapestry needle as well as the special bodkin and weaving needles they now have out. For stitching on smaller fabric though, use a blunt tapestry needle, such as when working with cross stitch. Make sure the needle easily moves under the floats of the fabric you wish to use. The tightness of the fabric weave will also determine how easily a needle will slip under the floats. (from Here and Above).

Carol Selfors, a local friend, brought this craft to my attention and shared with me a few of the blankets in her stash for illustrations to this post. Carol has made several lovely items using this thread technique for pattern design. Here are a couple of pictures of her blankets graced with huck weaving:



Many huck weaving patterns can be found here at: crafts.