Handweavers Pattern Directory | Anne Dixon

A true studio essential, The Handweaver’s Pattern Directory by Anne Dixon is one of the most comprehensive and inspiring weaving references ever published. Thoughtfully organised and beautifully illustrated, this book offers a deep exploration of weave structures—making it equally valuable for beginners building confidence and experienced weavers expanding their design vocabulary.

Rather than focusing on finished projects, this directory empowers you with structure knowledge. Each chapter breaks down a family of weaves, showing how small changes in threading, treadling, or tie-up can dramatically transform cloth. The result is a book you’ll return to again and again—when planning warps, exploring variations, or looking for that just right structure to suit a particular yarn.

Clear diagrams, logical progression, and an emphasis on understanding make this book a cornerstone reference for serious weavers.

What Makes This Book Special

Extensive Weave Structure Coverage – Includes plain weave, twills, basket weaves, lace weaves, overshot, crackle, doubleweave, and many more.
Systematic & Clear – Each structure is presented logically, making complex ideas approachable.
Highly Visual – Clean drafts, photographs, and diagrams support learning and experimentation.
Design-Focused – Encourages you to create your own textiles rather than follow fixed projects.
Endlessly Reusable – A true reference book you’ll consult throughout your weaving life.

What You’ll Learn

• How weave structures are built and how they behave

• How to modify drafts to change texture, density, and pattern

• How to match yarn choices to structure

• How to confidently design your own cloth

This is a book that strengthens your weaving intuition, not just your technical skills.

Specifications

• Author: Anne Dixon

• Format: Softcover

• Content: Weave structures, drafts, diagrams, and explanatory text

• Skill Level: Beginner through advanced

• Use: Reference book for multi-shaft handweaving

• Language: English

Why We Love It

This is one of those rare books that grows with you. Early on, it helps demystify weaving drafts. Later, it becomes a trusted design companion—one you reach for when planning a warp or exploring new structural ideas. We love it because it doesn’t tell you what to weave; it teaches you how weaving works. And that knowledge is priceless.

If you’re building a weaving library, The Handweaver’s Pattern Directory isn’t optional—it’s foundational.