This is a four-week practical introduction to weaving aimed at complete beginners during which you will learn all the skills involved in making your own fabric. The course will also give a broad overview of weaving, its contemporary uses in art, fashion and interiors, and its historical traditions with examples from around the world.
We will begin by defining weaving through looking at samples of woven fabrics. We’ll look at the basic structure of woven cloth and how it differs from other forms of textile. You will learn the essential language of weaving – the parts of the loom, the tools you will use and the technical vocabulary associated with producing your cloth.
We will spend the first week of the course learning how to make a warp and prepare the loom, and then we will create fabric samples. Through these samples you will learn how to create different types of fabric and pattern and how colour, yarn choice and weave structure play their part. You’ll learn how to make records of your choices along the way so that you can recreate a successful design.
Later in the course, we’ll look at the basics of fabric design and considerations for planning your own weaving project. Handouts will be provided throughout to back up your learning.
By the end of the course, you will:
understand what a loom is and how it works
be able to make a warp and put it onto the loom ready for weaving
weave your own fabric
have an understanding of the most important weave structures and have woven samples for your records
understand how yarn choice, structure and colour affect the kind of cloth you make
be able to assess what makes a successful fabric and design
completely love weaving and want to continue making your own woven fabric!