Aimed at those with little or no experience of weaving, the course will teach you how to weave on the body-tensioned loom.

You will weave experimental swatches to explore the properties of different yarns: fibre type, thickness, texture and colour. The main fibre will be British wool from breeds with diverse natural colours and characteristics.

Guided by explanation and demonstration, we will cover the key skills and techniques of weaving, applicable to all types and sizes of loom. You will be supported as you weave at your own pace.

As you gain confidence and expand your knowledge, your weaving personality develops, reflecting your preferences in fibre, colour, proportion, pattern and aesthetic, be it tartan patterned wool cloth or a chunky textured multi-fibre art piece.

You will have use of your own loom for the duration of the course. It has a weave width of 7.5” and your first warp will be set up ready. The body-tensioned loom is similar to the traditional back-strap loom, but incorporating a rigid heddle makes it easy to raise and lower the two sets of threads to pass the weft through.

Loom set-up will be demonstrated to include winding the warp, threading and tensioning. You will be encouraged to wind a warp and set up your own loom.

We will cover the calculations necessary for a successful outcome and design techniques as an aid to visualise a proposed weave, including interpreting a source of inspiration.

On completion of the main teaching element, you can plan and execute your own project, subject to the yarns available and the achievability within the time. Alternatively, you may wish to continue your experimental sampling.

On the first evening, we will discuss examples of woven fabrics and yarns and get familiar with the body-tensioned loom.

Included

On this course, the tutor will supply all of the weaving equipment, yarns and other materials.

What students need to bring

• A notebook, pen and coloured pencils
• embroidery Scissors, if you have them
• A camera/smartphone (may be useful)
• if you have any special yarns you would like to try weaving with, such as hand-spun wool or an art yarn, feel free to bring it.

Available to buy

Available from shop: Stationery supplies

Available from tutor: Body-tensioned loom kit – you may purchase the loom you have used in the workshop for £35. Wool warp yarn – if you would like to make extra warps for a loom you are taking home, this is charged at £3 per metre length of warp for a 7.5” weave width.

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toes or sandals, and safety boots, if specified.

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 7.15pm for registration. Students arriving earlier are welcome to purchase dinner in the College Dining Room from 6pm.
Students meet their tutor in the Bar at 7.30pm prompt to go to studios.
First Teaching session: 7.30pm - 9pm (attendance is essential)

Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am - 5pm
Morning session: 9.15am - 12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm - 2pm*
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm
Teaching finishes: 3pm

Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am. Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.

*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options

Terms & Conditions