Weave a Crisp Pillow for Summer Picnics—or for Naps in the Hammock

After Lilija Lapsa took a trip to Venice, Italy, she came home inspired by the colorful houses she saw there. Enjoy this subscriber bonus project from Handwoven Summer 2025.—Handwoven editors

Memories of Venice Pillow by Lilija Lapsa

For me, vacations are less about treasuring the moment and more about enjoying the memories. Often, we idealize travel. In reality, it can be a lot of hard work! This pillow, however, is not hard work. It was inspired by a recent summer trip to Burano Island in Venice, Italy—the colorful houses that inspired awe and delight during my visit are reflected in this pillow. It serves as a reminder of beautiful memories (without the crowds).

Woven with a simple plain-weave background interspersed with rosepath twill accents, this pillow evokes the gentle and charming pastels of lavender, pink, and turquoise of Burano. Perhaps more importantly, it’s easy to weave in about a day, and the cotton yarn makes it washable. Weave it to use as simple seasonal couch décor, a picnic cushion, or a pillow for leaning on while enjoying a good book, naps in the hammock, or other relaxing summery delights.

If you prefer, consider adjusting the treadling to weave this draft as a pair of towels, each with lively bursts of color.

The Memories of Venice Pillow has bands of pink, lavender, and turquoise rosepath twill.

Project at a Glance and PDF Link

STRUCTURE
Plain weave and twill.

EQUIPMENT
4-shaft loom, 25" weaving width; 10-dent reed; 2 shuttles; 4 bobbins.

YARNS
Warp: 8/2 cotton (3,360 yd/lb; Maurice Brassard), #101 Blanchi, 1,085 yd.
Weft: 8/2 cotton, #1510 Turquoise, 26 yd; #1768 Rose pâle, 20 yd; #1410 Lavande, 31 yd; #101 Blanchi, 630 yd.