Moodboard: WEFT Spring 2027 (Blocks and profiles)

In spring WEFT focuses on design, and for our Spring 2027 issue that means blocks and profiles! One of the most powerful design tools for weavers, they’re also one of the most challenging to understand. Join us as we dig in and bring clarity and understanding to this superhero design tool. The sky is the limit once you unlock the potential of working with blocks and profiles.  

Let’s start with the basics. What is a draft and what are the different orientations one can be presented in? What do we mean by warp or weft drawdowns?  What about all the tie-ups for different looms?  Is it important to learn to draft by hand vs drafting with software, and if so, why? 

What is a profile? What is a block? Can you tell us about the history of profile drafts and where they came from? Walk us through 2-, 3-, and 4-block variations and how we go from block designs to profile drafts. Are there rules or limitations? How can we tell what the difference is between a draft and a profile?  What is a block weave, a unit weave, and a half-unit weave? Do all blocks have units?  Are there non-unit block weaves?  

How do we convert a block profile to a draft? Which structures can be easily substituted? Which ones require caution and why? Dig deep into 4-shaft block weaves and explore both non-unit and unit weaves like crackle, Ms & Os, overshot, rep, spot Bronson, and more! 

How can we use color with blocks and profiles? What about color-and-weave? Shadow weave? We’re also looking for amazing projects that show off the unlimited ways weavers can use blocks and profiles to create one-of-a-kind textiles.  

Proposals for articles and projects are due by October 1, 2025. We’ll let you know in November 2025. Final articles, samples, and projects are due by June 15, 2026. 

Submit your proposal for the Spring 2027 (Blocks and profiles) issue!