We love to weave at the Fiber Garden! And to make sure you have a great experience, we keep class sizes small (six maximum), the instruction a positive learning experience, and the hospitality second to none.
Please note that most of the weaving workshops are listed on the calendar page simply as “Weaving”. During these dates, we run several workshops concurrently to meet the individual learning interests of each student. You will be asked to identify the specific class you wish to take when you complete the registration process.
Most of our weaving workshops are taught by Susan Frame, a talented weaver and an outstanding instructor. Her teaching techniques and encouragement will give you a solid foundation and confidence to develop your weaving skills. Susan has a long history of weaving and has taught at the Fiber Garden for more than 20 years. We are all fortunate that she continues to support Fiber Garden students through her gift of teaching.
Looms from Schacht Spindle Company are provided for your use during class, including a standard floor loom as well as Baby and Mighty Wolf looms and the Wolf Pup. If you prefer, you may bring your own table or floor harness loom, if it is completely assembled and in perfect operating condition. (We’ve loaded and unloaded many a folding loom squished into small vehicles!)
Workshop costs are listed in the description of each workshop on the upcoming events page. Some workshops have a materials fee payable to the weaving instructor for the learning guides or supplies. Additional materials costs are estimated and are very approximate depending on the size of the project selected and the chosen yarns. A deposit will be due at the time of registration to guarantee your space. The balance of the workshop fee will be paid at the conclusion of class along with any material costs.
Please check the Upcoming Events page for a listing of specific dates workshops are being offered and to register. Click on the links below for workshop photos.
Beginning Weaving. Learn to warp and weave on a four-harness floor loom. You will learn to read a draft (pattern) and weave your choice of projects. You can choose to weave a lovely set of wool scarves, wool or cotton placemats, or a tablerunner, all using simple yet interesting patterns. No previous weaving experience required. Materials cost of approximately $35-60 plus $15 payable to the instructor for learning guide.
Bead Leno. “Leno” is a type of lace weave in which warp threads are twisted around each other and held into place by a weft thread. It is often created by hand manipulating warp threads. In this technique, however, the warp will not be manipulated by hand, but by pony beads placed on the warp threads which create a twist in the threads when a beaded warp is raised. The beads are simply a weaving tool and are not a part of the final fabric. (It sounds more confusing then it is!) The loom is set up with a basic plain weave threading and the action of the beads create a cloth that looks far more complex. You will choose from a number of project options including scarves, shawls, curtain panel or valance, runners, etc. Beginning weaving experience on a four-harness loom required. Materials cost of approximately $30-70 plus $15 payable to instructor.
Boundweave Bags. Boundweave is a weft-faced weaving structure. The threading and set up is quick on this project and you will have time to explore how the weft colors interact to make interesting patterns. This particular technique will also be using double weave so when you cut the project off the loom you will have a wool bag or purse ready to be finished. When you get home you can add a lining and straps of your choosing. Beginning weaving experience on a four-harness loom required. Materials cost of approximately $40-50 plus $15 payable to instructor.
Braids and Cords. Learn kumihimo, lucet, and slentre techniques all in one day in one workshop! There are a lot of uses for braids and cords and this workshop will focus on three techniques that will help you weave several different types. We will explore Kumihimo which uses a foam disc to make round or flat braids. For the second technique we will use a Lucet to make square cords. Finally, participants will learn to use your fingers for braiding, a technique called Slentre. All these techniques can be done almost anywhere and are quite portable. During this class we will be using different types of fiber for the techniques and incorporating beads into some of the designs. You will complete braids and cords using each technique. The braids and cords can be used for straps for bags/totes, shoe laces, bracelets, trims for knitwear or hand wovens, and embellishments for clothing or home furnishings. A materials fee of $50 will be paid directly to the instructor and includes a kumihimo foam disc, lucet and spring clamp to take home, a supply of various types of fiber to make braids and cords during class, written directions.
Color Gamp. A “gamp” is a study in how colors, patterns, or yarn textures interact in a fabric. In this workshop, you will focus on color and twill weave patterns. You will weave your choice of a sampler, shawl, or tablerunner. Not only will you complete a project that will be useful in your home, but will also be an excellent color-study to refer to as you plan colors for future weaving projects. Beginning weaving experience on a four-harness loom required. Materials cost of approximately $40-60 plus $15 payable to instructor for the learning guide.
Custom workshop. Have a specific project you’d like to do or technique you’d like to explore that’s not referred to in any of the other class descriptions?? We are happy to work with you to create a custom workshop to meet your learning needs. In fact, new class listings often come as a result of students requesting to do a custom project. Just check “custom workshop” on the registration form and we will contact you to plan your class project. Materials costs will be dependent upon the project plus $15 payable to instructor for a learning guide.
Double Weave Blanket. One of our most popular weaving classes! Learn to double-weave a wool blanket that is unfolded after coming off the loom to double your weaving width! Beginning weaving experience on a four-harness loom required. Materials cost of approximately $60-100 plus $15 payable to instructor for learning guide.
Double Weave Sampler. Double weave is a fascinating weave to study. This workshop will give you an opportunity to explore and practice many techniques in double weave that will create a double layer of cloth that can turned into many practical items for the home. You will weave a handy wall sampler that will be perfect for storing some of your weaving tools. With any additional time you can experiment some more with some of your favorite techniques. Beginning weaving experience on a four-harness loom required. Materials cost of approximately $30-40 plus $15 payable to instructor for learning guide.
Inkle Weaving. Inkle looms can be used to make a variety of bands that have many uses. We will start with the set up of the loom and cover designing of bands. Inkle looms also lend themselves to pick up techniques that will be covered. You’ll be amazed at what you can do with these small portable looms! Kids and adults alike will enjoy them. Materials costs of approximately $20, plus $15 payable to the instructor for learning guide.
Intro to 8 Harness Weaving (NEW in 2022!). Ready to explore “more than four”? This is an opportunity to warp and weave a 6-8 harness pattern. The instructor will have some pattern/project options for you to select from. Beginning weaving experience on a four-harness loom required. Materials cost of approximately $30-70 depending on the project selected, plus $15 payable to the instructor for learning guide.
Monk’s Belt – Weft Constructed (NEW in 2023!)A great way to create monk’s belt without the need for a supplementary warp. The monk’s belt pattern is constructed with WEFT yarns rather than in the warp making it a great alternative to the more typical warp-constructed pattern. Beginning weaving experience on a four-harness loom required. Materials cost of approximately $30-60 depending on the project/yarns selected, plus $15 payable to the instructor for learning guide.
Overshot. Learn overshot technique and weave a beautiful tablerunner or fabric for sewing from cotton, wool, or another selected fiber! You will have a variety of pattern options to choose from. Beginning weaving experience on a four-harness loom required. Materials cost of approximately $20-60 plus $15 payable to instructor for learning guide.
Overshot Name Drafts. Design an overshot pattern using a computer weaving program which is inspired by the name of someone or someplace, creating a one-of-a-kind pattern draft. A table runner will be woven using this inspiring design technique with overshot. Beginning weaving experience on a four harness loom required. Materials cost of approximately $20-40 plus $15 payable to instructor for learning guide.
Rag Weaving. The log cabin or another design of your choice will be used to make your choice of rugs, placemats, or table runners. Two or three generous size rugs can be completed in a weekend. Beginning weaving experience on a four harness loom required. Materials cost of approximately $35-60 plus $15 payable to instructor for learning guide.
Rep Weave. Rep weave is a warp-faced weave that creates bold patterns. It is perfect for weaving striking rugs. In this workshop you will weave a table or floor runner, or a small rug. (In a four day class offered during the summers, you will be able to weave a larger rug.) Beginning weaving experience on a four harness loom required. Materials cost of approximately $25-100 plus $15 payable to instructor for learning guide.
Rigid Heddle Weaving. Interested in weaving but don’t want to make the big investment in a floor loom? Rigid heddle looms are affordable and versatile…they are quickly becoming the latest craze in weaving! In this workshop we will warp the looms twice, using both the direct warping method. The first project will be a simple scarf to learn the basics of the loom. The second project will explore more patterns and techniques for getting the most out of this little powerhouse of a loom including lace and pick-up patterns! No previous weaving experience required. Materials cost of approximately $25-50. This workshop is taught by Fiber Garden owner, Deb Jones. (She loves the rigid heddle loom!)
Shadow Weave Exploration (NEW ins 2022!).Shadow weave utilizes two colors in the warp and weft for a balanced weave with minimized floats. Mary M. Atwater developed shadow weave in the 1940’s and Marian Powell changed it up in 1976. We will spend some time looking at the differences and similarities of the Atwater and Powell methods. During the workshop we will explore shadow weave and weave a beautiful gamp! Materials cost of approximately $30-50 plus $15 payable to the instructor for learning guide.
Twill: 8-Shaft Straight Twill Sampler (NEW in 2023!). This is a great class for an introduction to weaving with 8 harnesses. By changing your treadle tie-ups, you change your pattern design. Lots of possibilities! Beginning weaving experience on a four-harness loom required. Materials cost of approximately $30-60 depending on the yarns selected, plus $15 payable to the instructor for learning guide.
Weaving with Bead Embellishments. With the popularity of beading, this workshop will be extra-special as you combine two wonderful art forms. Students will weave a tablerunner similar project in hucklace using cotton, adding beads into the weaving using the Danish medallion technique and finishing with beads in a twisted fringe or a hemstitched beaded edge. Beginning weaving experience on a four harness loom required. Materials cost of approximately$20-40 plus $15 payable to instructor for learning guide.