Exploring Overshot

This historical technique was popular in America from the late 1700’s to the early 1900’s. Through clever threading formulas, the graphic patterns can cover large areas, forming pixel-like floats over a stabilizing plain weave. The popularization of the jacquard loom ultimately pushed out overshot, as increased control over complex designs was achieved.

My intrigue with overshot stuck with me, and as my confidence in drafting grew, curiosity led me back. I started researching and manipulating classic designs, and moved to drafting from scratch. Images 2, 3, and 4 demonstrate my progression from early manipulation to an entirely new concept of overshot.

This is an emerging focus of my art practice. I’m continuing to explore novel ways of adapting overshot techniques in new ways.