The Versatility of Overshot

摘要

'Overshot' is often one of the first terms that a new weaver hears, and it has a long and varied history. According to Irene Emery's The Primary Structures of Fabrics, overshot is most commonly used to denote weaves characterised by supplementary weft-float patterning. The 'shot' element in the name is the hint here - a pick was also known as a 'shoot' or 'shot'. Firstly, let me explain what supplementary weft-float patterning is. For overshot, a supplementary weft is an additional yarn used for decorative purposes, whether to create pattern or add colour, to a ground weave which is usually plain weave but can be twills or satin. This supplementary yarn is often thicker or more textured than the ground weave yarn so that it stands out as a design feature. It normally floats (sits on the surface of the fabric for a length) above and underneath the ground weave to create patterning, and is usually a contrasting colour to the ground weave.