Weaving a V-Cowl (all the important bits)

This video covers all the important bits about weaving a V-Cowl on a rigid heddle loom. All the stuff that was left out of the previous videos is here. Of course, feel free to leave questions if something is not clear. If you have found information here that is useful to your own weaving practice, please consider becoming a Kari Fell, artist patron. NEW: Full written instructions for the V-cowl are now available on my Patreon. The Patreon link is below.
Website: www.karifell.com/
Online Store: karifellartist.square.site/
Facebook Page: / karifellartist
KZbin: / @karifellweaves
Patreon: / karifellart
Biography
Kari Fell is an artist who lives, paints and weaves in beautiful Cape Breton. She grew up in the North of Canada, in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. She was living in Alberta for the past 19 years and recently moved east to have some maritime adventures! All these places show up in her artwork.
Kari attended the Alberta College of Art in Calgary (now ACAD) from 1986-1990 where she majored in drawing and textiles. She continues to create in both these media and has also added painting to her repertoire.
Kari works out of her home studio in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada.

[@hespie3579]

Using dowel to re-attach is genius!

[@KariFellWeaves]

Not genius, but very helpful. Glad you have found it useful!

[@nvdawahyaify]

The name of the knot you used with the white cotton yarn is a cow hitch, also called a larks head knot.

[@stevenstewart3414]

Absolutely beautiful! And so clever!

[@Mojo_Mandy]

That's gorgeous, thank you for posting this :)

[@KariFellWeaves]

Thank you. You are welcome!

[@melsundquist]

This is so informative, thank you so much!

[@KariFellWeaves]

You are welcome. I'm glad it is helpful.

[@renatearneson7520]

This is amazing 😮. Thanks for sharing

[@phyrewillow6463]

Lovely! Very clear and helpful

[@KariFellWeaves]

Thank you! Glad it is of use to you.

[@MoniqueAO888]

Great project and beautiful colours !!!

[@Gigimamapa5]

Awesome tutorial 🥰 thank you so much.

[@donnatyson3028]

Thank you, I love the colours, now I am confident to try this.

[@KariFellWeaves]

You are welcome. Let me know how it goes!

[@marieelving8900]

Just wonderful. Love it.

[@KariFellWeaves]

Many thanks!

[@greeneileen]

This is such a beautiful project and so well explained! Thank you :)

[@MaineCoons-FiberArts]

Very clever! Thanks for sharing 💖

[@KariFellWeaves]

You are so welcome!

[@marilynalexieff285]

That is truly amazing! Thanks for sharing.

[@yayaglass]

Brilliant! So beautiful and well taught! Thank you so much. K

[@KariFellWeaves]

You are welcome. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dianathefiberfan5116]

Love the colors and how you weave the cowl together! Thank you!!

[@KariFellWeaves]

You are welcome! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@mrs2928]

OMG like this is so beautiful and the way you did it wow!!!!!

[@KariFellWeaves]

Thank you!

[@leneprior1044]

Love this thank you and blessings

[@yarninthehollow9960]

Hi Kari, thank you for this great video. I can't wait to give this a try.

[@KariFellWeaves]

You are so welcome! Happy weaving!

[@HegenerHomestead]

This is so cool! I definitely want to try that soon!

[@sarahburke8955]

This construction is ingenious, and so fun! Thank you for the tutorial.

[@horseencorejara963]

Beautiful! Genius technique.

[@robinwiest1202]

Thank you SO much for the very detailed video. I always wondered how this was done.

[@KariFellWeaves]

You are welcome. Glad it was helpful!

[@annewales7925]

Very helpful Kari. That will be my next project. Thank you.

[@KariFellWeaves]

You are welcome!

[@marilynfendley7656]

Beautiful. Learned a lot❤

[@sherylm2442]

Your video was very thorough and easy to follow. Thank you for all the tips and tricks that you shared. The cowl is absolutely gorgeous!

[@rmonogue]

The knot where you loop the cord through itself is called a larks head knot.

[@jacquelinejulius1370]

Love love love this concept and thanks to your very detailed video Kari, I have just completed my first hero cowl. Thanks.

[@KariFellWeaves]

That's great! Glad to be of help.

[@HunterJE]

7:47 This knot is a lark's head, also sometimes called a cow hitch

[@weasiesworks]

Wonderful demonstration. I've been wanting to experiment with this design, and now I feel more comfortable attempting it. Thank you!

[@justinelattimer1534]

Hi Kari thanks for this video - super helpful tips. I followed them and am really happy with my results

[@KariFellWeaves]

That's great! So glad it was helpful to you.

[@lorrainebinskin2990]

Great video, I am just learning, this was so easy to follow , your work is lovely.

[@KariFellWeaves]

Thank you!

[@HJKelley47]

Way beyond my skill level! Yet, it is absolutely beautiful. I love those colors.

[@KariFellWeaves]

Thank you so much. I'm sure you will be able to weave at this level soon :)

[@caddywampus]

Wonderful instruction, thank you. Just started my weaving journey so this was great!

[@KariFellWeaves]

You're welcome. Happy weaving!

[@annetteparslow9647]

Nicely done. Thank you for taking the time to share. Great ideas that work!

[@KariFellWeaves]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@retreatbrecon4217]

Thank you so much for this video

[@KariFellWeaves]

You are very welcome! I hope it is helpful.

[@patw7408]

Wow! I’m very much a beginner, but I shall practice like mad until I can do this. It’s brilliant. Thank you.

[@KariFellWeaves]

You're welcome! Happy weaving!

[@bobjoebo8933]

Nice! Great video, I didn't know any of these designs existed

[@KariFellWeaves]

Thanks for watching!

[@lindajohnson2950]

This is truly lovely!!! I will try to make this when I am a more experienced weaver. Thanks so much for your brilliant tutorial!

[@KariFellWeaves]

Thank you!

[@kathyb4266]

Kari, thank you for this instructional video. The construction/technique of using the warp from the beginning end for weft at the end of the weaving to make a "seamless" v-cowl is fascinating. This video is the key, for me, that unlocks understanding how it is done! Helpful and excellent. Much appreciated.

[@KariFellWeaves]

You are welcome. Glad it was helpful!

[@dottyrichards9627]

You are brilliant! This is the most amazing thing I've ever seen. It's so different and inventive. Thank you for showing me this. I am just a baby Weaver, just starting, and boy have you encouraged me.

[@KariFellWeaves]

I am glad you have found it helpful. Happy weaving!

[@kathyenglish8427]

Beautiful!

[@KariFellWeaves]

Thank you so much!

[@Heartbeat4Japan]

How can I mash that like button a dozen times? This is the first I've come across this method and you have just opened up a whole part of weaving opportunities for me!!

[@KariFellWeaves]

Thank you! I'm glad it is of use to you. And thanks for the likes. Subscribing and sharing could be the equivalent of mashing the like button a dozen times :D

[@WhatNoKaboom]

Beautiful cowl! The knot with the loops on the tie bar is a larkshead

[@aeprice2904]

So gorgeous!

[@uncosito]

Kari, thank you so much for this video! It was really helpful I finished my cowl and it wouldn't have come out nearly as nice had I not watched your video first. I should have watched it a second time...I struggled getting it wound back on and had completely forgotten about using the dowel...that would have made it much easier! Lol.

[@KariFellWeaves]

You are welcome! It does get easier each time you do it. My struggle was in not weaving the cowl TO the loom. I did it at least 3 times :D

[@MorgoNism]

I don’t know what kind of magic this is, but I love it and am going to sort through my stash to find the perfect yarns to make this.

[@KariFellWeaves]

That’s great! Enjoy!

[@lynphillips2109]

So inventive!

[@KariFellWeaves]

Thanks!

[@mjdrean]

I made one without help. Brother what a fiasco. Now I can probably make one I will wear thanks to you. Excellent video and beautiful outcome. Thanks.

[@KariFellWeaves]

Thank you! Best wishes to you on your next attempt. Feel free to ask questions if you need help along the way.

[@susanmartin9424]

The dowel/loop trick is ingenious, thank you for such an in-depth explanation for making these. I'm working on my first one- didn't want to use the good wool in case I messed it up, so using cotton and so far it was working well until I started joining warp to warp. I will keep watching this over and over to see what I'm doing wrong. Thank you so much for all your tutorials, Kari! You're a natural teacher.

[@KariFellWeaves]

Thank you so much for your kind words.

[@tanyasidorova6773]

Nice work

[@KariFellWeaves]

Thank you!

[@sarakaluczaweaving]

The shawls are so beautiful! I have made one project with this technique and will surley be doing more. I had some issues getting the joint edge to look nice and smooth, I'm hoping the painters tape trick might help with that!

[@KariFellWeaves]

Thank you! It's just patience and consistancy. Happy weaving!

[@monicacataldo2675]

Thanks for the great tips! I just discovered there's a big difference between green and blue painter's tape. The blue wasn't working for me as I used it to help mark distances along the cloth. The green is for rougher surfaces - out to get one right now.

[@KariFellWeaves]

You are welcome! I did not know that about the blue and green painters tape. I guess I lucked out by grabbing the green!

[@grannysquared7140]

Wow, I had never seen this technique before. I am just past beginning weaving after being a crochet/knitter for a few decades. that being said I think I would find a long tunisian crochet hook very handy to pull your new "weft" through the shed, thus disturbing your warp a little less than putting your whole hand through. just a thought. really great video! something new I now have to try. edit, I didn't finish watching before I posted this, just saw similar at the end with your reed hook. LOL

[@KariFellWeaves]

Thank you for your compliments. I'm glad you watched to the end. Most people don't, lol!

[@shazziep5567]

Hi Kari … Loved watching this video ..it’s a beautiful V-Cowl 🥰 can you tell me how you washed it ..? I’ve just made my first one and the fringe that I made was really lovely but made the mistake of putting it in the washing machine in a net bag .. and …😬 the fringe felted somewhat but I was able to pull the little suckers apart and luckily it didn’t look so bad..

[@ActonCreative]

Kari, you have such a gentle teaching style - it's so nice! Thank you so much for this video! I had heard of this technique, but didn't know how it was accomplished. Keep up the great work!

[@KariFellWeaves]

Thank you so much for your kind words!

[@carolynbulson2081]

Genius!

[@jennyjackett3783]

Hello Kari, I have looked at several of these that you have woven but I can ’t find a back view! This makes an interesting accessory and your colours are beautiful. You do an excellent job of instructing! Thank you. And the painter’s tape is a great tip. Cheers Jenny

[@KariFellWeaves]

Thank you! You are right about the back view! I will show that in a future video.

[@jennyjackett3783]

@@KariFellWeaves Thanks Kari and Best Wishes.

[@arlenetoth608]

Thank you for sharing this video, it is so generous of you. I am a wet felter new to weaving and have felted a lot of v-shaped shawls or neck warmers so this is something I am very excited to try even though I have only completed one scarf so far. I have a 16 inch Sampleit loom and wonder if this would be possible to make on my loom, width wise. Thank you.

[@KariFellWeaves]

You are welcome! You could definitely make a v-cowl on your loom. My loom is 10 inches, so you could just warp 10" on your loom if you want to replicate it. You could also try narrower or wider and see what you get!

[@arlenetoth608]

@@KariFellWeaves that's great! Thanks!

[@rosesires4560]

Kari, thank you so much for taking the time to explain everything in explicit detail. I’ve always wondered how these were made and now will have to try my hand at it when I get a loom free! Your are a marvelous teacher!

[@KariFellWeaves]

Glad it was helpful! Happy weaving!

[@rickmccarthney4544]

Thanks much for this instructional video. Which Ashford loom are you using?

[@KariFellWeaves]

You are welcome! It is a 10" Samplit.

[@annesfeltedfriends]

I love how you used painter tape and the dowel! I will try these techniques on my next one. (I made one before I saw your video, and it didn’t turn out too well)

[@KariFellWeaves]

Thank you. Best wishes on your next one!

[@DLowryVA]

Yep! That was a game changer for me!

[@susanmartin9424]

YES, I was so happy to see these tips! I haven't tried the cowl yet, just watching videos of the process, and Kari, yours are by far the easiest to follow. You are a natural teacher! I appreciate the other weavers too, but there were questions I had, and you answered them, thank you so much!

[@fionayoung3549]

Hi - I’m using the schacht rigid heddle loom and I have a question- the weaving is fine until it comes to releasing the scarf from the front beam- the structure is very different from the Ashford loom that you are using in your demonstration, and I can’t seem to figure out how to attach and secure the dowel rod?

[@tsecord7111]

Gorgeous! And what a genius idea about using the small dowel. Thank you! In order to have the over/under work out correctly when bringing the warp over to become weft, do you need to be sure if you started weaving right to let, you end left to right? I’m afraid I’ll mess this up! Thanks for your great video!!!

[@KariFellWeaves]

I start with the tail hanging on the right, starting on a down heddle. I also finish with the tail hanging on the right (that is an up heddle). Now both of those ends are positioned to be used in the fringe. If the first warp thread on the left is a slot it all works out well. You could probably reverse things if you prefer to pull the warp ends through in the opposite direction. And don't worry about messing up. That's part of learning. I made MANY mistakes before getting it to work out correctly.

[@tsecord7111]

Kari Fell thanks so much! You’re a peach!

[@karriegoodman4404]

I'm just curious of what size of rigid loom you are using, and can you use any size original loom to create the cow that you are doing?

[@valstar8681]

Gorgeous work! I love your yarn colors. What type/brand of yarn do u use mostly?

[@KariFellWeaves]

I have been weaving from my stash, which is mostly a discontinued wool yarn. I am currently trying out some new yarns to find a good staple to work with in the future.

[@theresaschaper6522]

Hi Kari, After watching your video (at least 10 times!) and taking notes, I am almost ready to start my v cowl. I notice that you have painters tape in the beginning (after you advanced the yarn about 12 inches I think you said). Do you weave a few pics and then turn your loom over to put the painters tape on? Thank you again!

[@KariFellWeaves]

I leave at least 16 inches so there is room for fringe. Yes, I tape it after weaving a couple of inches. The tape goes on the woven part, not the loose ends. You don't need to turn the loom over to attach it, just press from above and below with your hands.

[@angelafulton2364]

Hi Kari 😊 I’m curious if you have ever done a hem stitch at either or both ends of the weaving instead of tape and, if so, how it turned out?

[@KariFellWeaves]

No, I haven't hemstiched a v-cowl. Since the fringe is to be twisted or knotted, I don't feel hemstitching is necessary. Tape would still be necessary for the loose ends pre-weaving back in (hemstitching at the beginning would give an obvious seam). Hemstiching up the side and then at the very end is possible. Let me know how it turns out if you do try it!

[@maggiepatterson7949]

What brand is your loom....I have not seen it before. Is it a 10"? thank you for a great video.

[@KariFellWeaves]

It’s an Ashford 10” Samplit.

[@Passioakka]

Kari Fell Lovely model! I really would love to make one myself...how would I think about the lenght of the fabric?

[@KariFellWeaves]

You could pin an existing scarf and experiment to get the correct length for you. Happy weaving!

[@cmaur811]

Painters tape is a great tip. Did you say the pattern you used?

[@KariFellWeaves]

I made up this pattern myself. I have written all the details in a document for my Patron on Patreon, if you are interested.

[@nancykingery5412]

How long and how wide is this (minus the fringes) before you start to weave the weft into the warp? What would be a comparable yarn to use if you don't want to dye? This video is off the charts awesome!!!!!!!!!!

[@KariFellWeaves]

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed the video. The warp is 10 inches in the reed and I leave 16” unwoven at the beginning. I weave until there is 16” left at the end before removing and re-attaching. That is approximately 60” of weaving. I have also use Celtic Raven Fibre’s sock yarn for v-cowls and it is very similar. Any yarn with a sett of 10 epi will be comparable to this. However, I have also used finer yarn with a different heddle.

[@nancykingery5412]

@@KariFellWeaves Thank you so much!!!!!!! I wanted to make sure this would go around my head the way it's supposed to. I happen to have some sock yarn that is hand dyed and was wondering what to weave it into. I guess I now know the answer to that question!!!! Again thank you so much for the wonderful video.

[@maureenhouston1026]

Kari ... I have just "discovered" you ... It is my lucky day! I will be trying this technique very soon. Since I live in Florida, I would prefer not to use wool. Have you tried other yarns? A fine cotton? Also, if I am understanding the concept, if I weave the initial length shorter, the loop that goes over the head should be less "voluminous"? But still needs to be long enough to go over the head ... hmmm ... Thank you ...

[@KariFellWeaves]

Thank you for your kind words! I have woven a cotton version and also a fine acrylic version. They are both lighter and quite comfy. Weaving it shorter would probably not work well if you still want to twist it once. I have also made a v-cowl with no extra for a loop, but it tends to not sit well on the shoulders. To make it less voluminous you could try making it narrower. That would also affect the size of the diamond shaped section on the front however, making it smaller.

[@maureenhouston1026]

Kari...thanks for your response ...I am looking forward to trying this. I will start with your dimensions and see how it goes! Thanks again.

[@AngelsWips]

I tried one but it twisted and was way to long. Yours is beautiful. How long is your fabric before attaching it?🧡

[@KariFellWeaves]

I usually weave about 60 inches before weaving the ends back in.

[@gblan]

The knot you were making with the loops on the apron rod is a Lark's Head.

[@KariFellWeaves]

Yes, also called cow hitch.

[@user-rh1sj4tj5h]

Спасибо, все понятно, учусь ткать!

[@KariFellWeaves]

Thank you!

[@dmaxi3816]

How long was your warp for this project? Also how wide is it?

[@KariFellWeaves]

My v-cowl warps are between 8 to 9 feet long and 10 inches wide.

[@Rowanstarr]

The knot that you used was a larks head knot for attaching the loop to the dowel.

[@KariFellWeaves]

Yes, thank you!

[@Rowanstarr]

@@KariFellWeaves No problem. I use it with Macrame all the time.

[@charlotteallison756]

How long do you weave the cloth before cutting off to weave in the tails...

[@KariFellWeaves]

I weave until the packing drops off the back beam and about 16 inches is left. That usually ends up being about 60 inches of weaving.

[@kathywyatt8266]

What brand of loom is this?

[@terrydickson6468]

🙏❤️

[@KariFellWeaves]

Thank you for watching!

[@JanetMorganmorgana]

Please can you tell me, did you say 16 inches unwoven to start with? Then how long , in inches do you weave before making the v?

[@KariFellWeaves]

Yes, 16 inches at the beginning. Then I weave until there are 16 inches left in the warp. On my loom that's about 60 inches.

[@JanetMorganmorgana]

@@KariFellWeaves thank you so the warp is 92 inches long?

[@KariFellWeaves]

@@JanetMorganmorgana It may be few inches longer as I use an 8 foot table to direct warp. When indirect warping, it can be even longer, as I wind 3 yards pre-dyeing. Those extra inches are part of the knots on either end, which are not included in the 16 inches. But I don't measure out woven length as I go, as I just weave until the packing drops off the back beam, so some cowls are longer than 60 inches of weaving.

[@marciaadams-landry2244]

What is the size of your heddle and yarn weight? Is this a 16” loom?

[@KariFellWeaves]

It's a 10" Ashford Samplit loom with a 10 dpi heddle.

[@carolgodreau6409]

What brand and size loom are you using?

[@KariFellWeaves]

It's a 10 inch Ashford Samplit.

[@carolgodreau6409]

@@KariFellWeaves thank you. A beautiful little loom. Can’t believe one can make a V- shaped cowl on a little loom. I am new to weaving. Can’t wait to try this after I have warped and made a few more things. Thank you for such an inspirational video!

[@ScrapsArt]

Which yarn did you use?

[@KariFellWeaves]

I used a yarn that I think has been discontinued. It's Forsell 4-ply, which was made in the UK for knitting machines. I came upon a large supply when a yarn store sold off its stock but I am almost out. I would like to find another supply of it, as I love weaving with it.

[@luckkibehemoth6626]

Climber's hitch or a girth hitch

[@KariFellWeaves]

Thanks! There seems to be many names for this hitch :)

[@theresaschaper6522]

What size painters tape is that?

[@KariFellWeaves]

It's one inch, but it doesn't really matter.

[@theresaschaper6522]

@@KariFellWeaves thank you for your prompt reply. I have one more question: I have a Sampleit 16 inch loom and there is only 9.5 inches between the heddle (when put in the back position of the double heddle block) and the front bar. Will making it shorter look okay?

[@KariFellWeaves]

@@theresaschaper6522 I too, am using a Samplit with not much space between the front bar and heddle. You still have to roll it on as you go so that weaving space doesn't really matter. If you are talking about the "V" part, all of the weft threads need to be woven in and that determines the size of the woven part. It will be rolled onto the front, so again, the space between front bar and heddle doesn't matter.

[@nancykingery5412]

I meant to say the warp into the warp.

[@KariFellWeaves]

.

[@morwennaloe]

larks's head knot? maybe?

[@KariFellWeaves]

I believe you're right. Also called cow hitch.

[@michellelink7996]

It's called a larks head knot.

[@KariFellWeaves]

Thank you :)

[@laura-leemurphyuta78]

It would have been good for me if you had showed how to put it on because i have never worn one of these

[@KariFellWeaves]

Oh, you are right! Good idea. I am just finishing another cowl and I'll video how I put it on for that one. In the meantime: arrange the V at your neckline first and smooth across front and shoulders. Then take the big loop that is behind your back, twist once and gently place over head so it lays around the front of your neck. I hope this explanation is clear.

[@laura-leemurphyuta78]

Kari Fell, oh thank you. Looking forward to the next video. I was just getting ready to start a wool scarf and now I think this type may be interesting to make. I have a Macomber floor loom. What size is your yarn and how many yards and width did you make this one?

[@KariFellWeaves]

@@laura-leemurphyuta78 The warp is 8-9 feet long. It’s 96 ends of sock yarn at 10 epi. I’m not sure how it would work on a floor loom. The longer distance between the cloth beam and fell line might make it difficult to weave the beginning into the end. I plan on trying it on a floor loom in the future to check this theory.

[@laura-leemurphyuta78]

Kari Fell great! Thank you. I saw the utube vid from curmuggen (spelling?) and he used two threads of 10 or20 pound fishing line weighted down on both ends to use as a shelf for the end of scarf while he was weaving the yarn in to the end. The only thing I didn't like was he cut the first piece off and added to the side of the second piece instead of keeping it all as one piece.

[@applesong01]

Slip knot

[@Skyspiders]

hows anybody supposed to follow any of this when the only links you provide are to yourself- your store- your Facebook page- your youtube your Patreon? How about what freakin loom are you using maybe you could start there. How about a link to where we can find that loom for ourselves? How about a link to where you buy your materials? Or is this just all about you showing off your skills and selling your wears? I don't get it. I feel like I could more easily find you in real life so that I could ask you to your face where you get your materials than I could use your videos to help me get started on my own project. I mean... is that what your going for here? Im so confused. Are you using this video to help others work on their own projects or is it for you to show your own work so you can sell your own projects? I feel a hundred percent more confident that I could find you IRL to ask you these questions than I feel that I could find any of these materials to try this myself based solely on your videos alone and I feel really weird that I feel encouraged by these videos and subsequent links to do one and not the other. Maybe you could title your videos like " Kari Fell" shows you some parts of her V cowl weaving" and the description could read : This is a video showing the detail and effort made by artist Kari Fell so you can appreciate more deeply the craftsmanship that has gone into each and every Kari Fell cowl. It is not a tutorial video. You can buy Kari's excellent work- here here here etc. The title "weaving a v cowl" is very misleading.

[@KariFellWeaves]

I'm sorry you have found this confusing. These instructions are not meant for a beginning weaver. It assumes you already have a loom and can set it up and weave plain weave already. If you are not at that stage, you might find a beginning rigid heddle loom class more useful. My first v-cowl videos were not meant as tutorials. As you observed, they were to show how much and what kind of work goes into the making of my items. However, many weavers then tried to weave this type of cowl for themselves and asked me many questions about how to do it. I decided to share. This specific video fills in all the details that are missing from my first videos. It is instruction for experienced weavers and I have provided it free of charge. Feel free to move along if it is not to your liking.

[@kimbernard9250]

Genius!

[@KariFellWeaves]

Thanks. Hope it was helpful.