Join us for this fun project-based workshop that teaches you how to design and weave your very own cushion on a table loom!
Skill Level: Beginner - Intermediate
What will I learn?
In this fun, 2-day workshop students will be designing and hand-weaving a contemporary cushion front on a pre-warped table loom.
Working with an array of gorgeous materials from our vast stock in the studio and our available pattern templates, students choose their preferred pattern and yarn and fibre combinations to create their cushion. They will then be given instructions on how to weave on a table loom, working with 4 shafts to follow their unique pattern and weave each row of their design.
Students will weave their cushion front, remove it from the loom, learn how to work with handwoven cloth and prepare it for sewing with a linen backing. They will then learn the steps to wash their cushion cover before opting to complete the cushion at home or have it sewn professionally (for an additional fee).
Throughout their time in the studio students will be given guidance on how to weave effectively and efficiently, with tips and tricks on how to ensure their handwoven cloth is durable, whilst also having the intended drape and handle.
Over the course of the 2 days, students will gain knowledge of table looms and learn practical weaving skills:
- Understand the mechanics of a table loom and its parts
- How to select and prepare yarns and fibres for weaving
- Learn how to read and weave 4-shaft patterns
- Learn basic tapestry and hand-weaving techniques
- Understand how to handle and sew handwoven cloth
- Learn the importance of finishing techniques for products
- Learn how to wash and care for handwoven cushions
Who is this workshop for?
This workshop would suit those new to, or familiar with hand-weaving on a table loom and are looking to hone their craft skills by weaving a practical interiors project. Some may have taken our Introduction to Table Loom Weaving workshop!
This is a practical workshop and participants will be weaving for 2 days, with the basic outline as follows:
Day 1: Selecting & Adapting a Pattern, Preparing Yarns & Fibres, Commence Weaving
Day 2: Completing the Cushion Front, Cutting & Overlocking the Fabric, Learning how to Wash & Care for the Cushion
The workshop is designed to be fun and engaging, enabling students to get to know their fellow workshop participants while learning all the weaving tips and tricks needed to complete a product. They will have the opportunity to express themselves while learning at their own pace. Typical class sizes hold a maximum of 8 students so there will be plenty of individual attention to help students hone their skills.
Looms & Equipment
Students have the option to use one of our table looms in the studio or to bring their own. We have 4 looms available but all will be set up to weave on 4 shafts and with a width suitable for weaving a rectangular cushion (13in x 17in).
We also have space for 4 students to bring their own table loom to weave this project. If selecting this option, we will confirm that the loom is suitable for this workshop in advance to ensure that everyone will be able to follow at the same pace. If you would like to enquire about this option, please contact us.
Warp Set Up:
Students booking one of our looms will have the warp already set up for them, unless they wish to carry out this stage too. If so, they can book onto our new, 1-Day Warp a Table Loom for Beginners workshop to give those who need practice with this stage of the weaving process the opportunity. More information and dates for this workshop can be found here.
Students bringing their own loom will also need to have the warp set up in advance. If a student has never warped their loom, then we suggest that they join our Intro to Table Loom Weaving workshop to learn how to set up a loom.
If the student has had experience but needs a refresher, they too can book onto our 1-Day Warp a Table Loom for Beginners workshop.
If the student would like to set up their loom at home, then we will provide the technical notes in advance of the workshop for this purpose, along with the warp yarn needed.
Workshop Location:
All workshops are held in beautiful Oxford, where our studio backs onto the Oxford Canal and is a stones throw from central Oxford, train & bus stations and on the edge of the thriving Jericho community.
The workshop itself will be held in our studio or the gallery space of the Makespace Oxford building (space permitting).
For those wishing to stay overnight in Oxford and experience what the great city has to offer, we can offer some advice on where to stay and what to do. Get in touch! =)
Available Dates:
Friday & Saturday, January 12th & 13th, 2024
Thursday & Friday, April 18th & 19th, 2024
What’s included
- 2 Full days of tuition
- All yarns & fibres for creating the cushion (£80 value)
- 1 x Cushion Pad (13 x 17in)
- 1 x Linen backing & zip from a choice of colours
- Refreshments (Tea, Coffee & biscuits)
What's not included:
- Lunch (we request that you bring a lunch on the day or purchase something from The Hayfield Deli across from the studio)
- Accommodation