Introduction to weaving loom workshops - learn new skills and be inspired

There is something deeply satisfying about having the opportunity to learn to weave on a weaving loom at an in person workshop. Being taught by experienced weavers who are on hand to teach and guide is appreciated by participants who value the opportunity to see how to weave, be helped with their technique and have their questions answered. Many workshop participants delight in learning new skills and also tell us that having time to engage in a craft activity alongside others is fun, relaxing and mindful.

Across the country there are a variety of weaving workshops which make it possible for people of all experience levels to learn this traditional craft. In this blog we explore some of the popular types of weaving workshops available from short 2 hour sessions to longer sessions. Some of these workshops are run by TabbyandTweed whilst others are offered by other providers. Do sign up to receive our newsletter by clicking here if you would like to be kept up to date with TabbyandTweed courses so that you can book on when first advertised so you don't miss out.

1 - Scarf weaving workshops

There are a number of weavers that offer rigid heddle scarf weaving workshops either for one or two days. TabbyandTweed run day long courses near Salisbury, Wiltshire with additional courses offered within a 2 hour radius upon request. These courses are suitable for beginners. Ahead of the day, each participant chooses the yarn colours that they would like the TabbyandTweed rigid heddle weaving loom to be warped with. When participants arrive they are taught how to weave with discussions focusing on the basics of the approach along with colour choice and patterns. Some participants return for additional courses and for those people we tailor the learning to their requests. Returners often wish to develop their weaving skills further using pick up sticks or to weave a Krokbragd wall hanging. Further information and booking details are available on our website.

2 - Corporate weaving craft workshops

TabbyandTweed offer the option of running weaving workshops for businesses and organisations. These courses could be part of a corporate away day or team building day. Recently we ran one of these courses for the doctors at Mosaic Medical, a doctor-led Functional Medical group who work with patients to find the root cause of their health condition before planning a personalised route to recovery. The session was a small frame weaving workshop with the participants choosing a range of yarns and fibres which were incorporated into their weave. The session gave the participants the opportunity to develop their new skills alongside their colleagues in a relaxed and fun environment.

3 - Bookmark weaving workshops

These 2 hour courses are really popular for new weavers. TabbyandTweed often run these courses at events such as the Unravel Festival in Farnham. Participants learn to weave a bright and vibrant bookmark learning the skills of weaving a tabby weave and gaining an understanding of how the warp and the weft coloured yarns interact together when woven. Bookmark weaving loom kits are available here for purchase if you can't make a workshop.

4 - Circular weaving workshops

This is either a 2 or 3 hour workshop. The first activity is to warp the circular loom with a white cotton yarn before using a range of yarn and fibres to weave in circles building up a beautiful woven mandala wall decoration. TabbyandTweed run these courses at the Unravel Festival in Farnham and upon request at other locations. For those people who can't make one of our workshops the circular weaving loom kits are available to purchase on our website.

5 - Square loom weaving workshops

Using a small square frame loom participants are taught the basics of weaving. They explore a range of weaving patterns with different yarns and fibres. Common designs include houndstooth, and twill patterns or the use of merino fibres. Participants weave a small square which can be used as a mending patch or coaster. For those people who can't make one of our workshops the square frame weaving loom kits are available to purchase on our website.

6 - Brooch making workshops

This workshop is run by Emma of Aamos Designs in Burra, Shetland. This year during Shetland Wool week, she ran this workshop where participants wove a small piece of fabric on a square frame loom before then making it into a beautiful brooch. Participants learnt to weave a variety of designs with different yarn colours using Shetland wool. The brooch below shows a beautiful twill weave.

7 - Table Loom weaving workshops

Aamos Designs also offer three hour, half day workshops and six hour, all day workshops in Burra, Shetland. These could be perfect if you are taking a holiday in this beautiful part of the world and would enjoy learning to weave. Workshops can be tailored to suit one or two people and teach the basics of weaving. Courses can also be tailored for beginners or for more experienced weavers learning the basic weaving techniques as well as some more unusual woven structures.

This blog has outlined a range of different types of weaving workshops from short 2 hour courses to longer courses. If you are interested in learning to weave then our workshop page has all the details found by clicking the link here. We would be delighted to welcome you onto any of these courses but if the locations aren't suitable then you could look at Craft Courses which enables you to search by location and course type.

If you fancy having a go at weaving at home then our weaving kits are available in our TabbyandTweed website shop for UK delivery and our TabbyandTweed Etsy shop for delivery elsewhere.

If you are interested in keeping up to date with our weaving work and future workshop dates then do sign up to receive our newsletter by clicking the link here.