Alternative Weaving Techniques

With very little assembly required, students will spend the majority of this class weaving. With a bead loom, students can produce bracelets, belts, or bands that can be used as an appliqué with another project or as standalone pieces. While bead weaving generally produces rectangular shapes, it is also possible to learn how to create angular and curvy forms too.

In this class, students will learn how to design and hand weave their own trims, belts and straps using the Inkle Loom. Students curious about the basics of the woven structure will enjoy this warp-faced weaving process. Open to beginners or seasoned weavers curious about a new process, Inkle Weaving is a fun opportunity to explore new technique. Your instructor will also share some historical and contemporary uses of the Inkle Loom and assist with project planning.

Look to the ditches for your next weaving project! Using pre-harvested material, learn about harvesting, preparing, and weaving with wild foraged plants for basketry. Generally seen as weeds, many of the invasive vines, grasses, and tree barks are useful as basketry material. We will make cordage and a small vine basket as take-aways.

In Pictorial Weaving students will learn techniques to create shapes and imagery using a pre-dressed table loom. Students can explore their designs with different techniques. Students will experiment with drafting and designing weaving cartoons (template guide for a composition). Utilizing color work and a variety of interlocking techniques students will create one of a kind woven art. A basic knowledge of tapestry weaving is required for this class.

In this pine needle basket weaving class, we will work directly with pine needles to create form, using no added materials. A three-part coiling method is used to bunch the needles together and spiral outward, allowing the basket to take shape in your hands. As you weave, the warm, resinous scent of pine fills the space. This slow, meditative practice invites patience, focus, and a deep connection to the material.

Learn basic basketry techniques, including twining and random weave, to create woven forms as armatures or stand-alone pieces. These techniques for holding materials together without glue or nails can be applied to a wide range of materials. Students will come away with a small wall pocket and/or an open-form sculptural piece. No basketry experience necessary.

Tapestry weaving is an ancient technique used by many cultures to create fabrics for clothes and furnitures, and wall hangings. In our tapestry weaving classes, students will learn the basics of tapestry weaving, how to plan and design a tapestry project, and traditional and contemporary tapestry techniques.

Learn how to prepare and weave with wheat stems to create traditional ornaments!