Private Weaving Workshop Q & A
We get many requests for more information with our Private Weaving workshop, so here is some helpful guidance when booking.
Q. What will I learn?
A. This will depend on the student and their previous knowledge and experience. We teach both hand-weaving (our specialism) and tapestry weaving, two distinctive styles of weaving that create different outcomes depending on the qualities of materials and techniques that are employed.
To facilitate learning we teach on Harris table looms, The Oxford Frame Loom and an AVL Dobby Loom. Together, these very different types of looms help students to learn the many exciting variations of cloth that can be created.
If you aren't sure what the difference is between the two types of weaving, please read our blog posts What is Tapestry Weaving? and What is Hand-weaving? These posts should help to give you context for what is possible and help you to decide on what style of weaving you would like learn and if our workshop is right for you.
Q. What looms do you teach on?
A. This depends on what you want to achieve. If you haven’t already read our two blog posts recommended above, then we encourage you to do so. But we offer weaving tuition on 4 different types of looms: (from left to right: The Oxford Frame Loom, Harris Table Loom, Rigid Heddle Loom, AVL Dobby Loom)
These high-quality looms are designed for professional and hobbyist weavers alike. These are the hand-working looms that educational institutions like Central Saint Martins use to train professional weavers and we continue to teach on these looms in our studio.
This loom can be used during a workshop, rented afterwards or used during one of our Creative Weaving Sessions to further your learning.
Rigid Heddle Loom:
Although we do not carry this loom in the studio, we can help students to learn to weave on a Rigid Heddle Loom. This loom is a very basic loom with a different warp set up to the Harris Table Loom, but we have taught many students to set up and weave on this loom.
AVL Dobby Floor Loom:
We are able to teach students to weave on an AVL Dobby Floor loom. This a professional standard loom, but works similarly to the Harris Table Loom. We also have knowledge of Countermarch and Counterbalance looms, but do not currently offer tuition on these types of looms as they are not our specialty. If you are not sure what type of loom you have, then please get in touch and we will help you to determine how we might best help you.
*All the techniques and skills we teach using the looms in our workshops are transferrable to other types of looms as we aim to give students a broad understanding of the craft. We give students the confidence to weave on their own looms when they leave the studio.*
Q. What type of workshop do you recommend for complete beginners?
A. Complete Beginner's Recommendation
We can teach complete beginners on both The Oxford Frame Loom (or own unique design) or Harris table looms. Each type of loom has its advantages, but we usually suggest that students who have never woven before or have limited knowledge of weaving, begin with weaving on a frame loom.
The reason we recommend to begin weaving on a frame loom is because the loom set up (winding on a warp) is quicker and less technical than weaving on a table loom. Students spend more time developing their weaving knowledge (what many consider the fun and creative part), rather than setting up the warp. Hobbyists especially appreciate the speed and ease of this type of loom.
As student’s develop their weaving skill set, they may be ready to learn the warp set up on a table loom. This more technical process is the gradual progression in a student’s development when learning to weave.
A. Beginner's and Improvers Recommendation
Although we recommend weaving on a frame loom for beginners, we can equally recommend weaving on a table loom - but it does help if a student has some previous knowledge of the craft.
A student’s background or experience with hand-weaving gives context for this type of weaving, giving them an appreciation of the aesthetic and rhythm of setting up and weaving on a table loom.
Q. When do you teach?
A. Due to the many constraints in the diary at weekends, private weaving workshops take place during the week, usually on a Friday.
However we do offer other dates, so view the Booking Calendar to see which dates are available for private weaving workshops.
Q. I have inherited or been gifted a loom. Can you help assemble it?
A. We have helped many students assemble looms that have been disassembled or boxed up over the years. If you wish to learn to weave on a loom that you have not used before or are not sure where to start, then we may be able to help.
Before booking, please send us photos of the type of loom you have (preferably laid out with all the parts or assembled) and we will do our best to offer you guidance. Once we are confident we can help in some way, we will then direct you to booking a workshop. Email photos to info@oxfordweavingstudio.com
Q. I have my own loom. Should I bring it to the studio?
A. Yes. We always recommend to weave on your own loom whenever possible as it is much easier to learn to weave on the loom you will be regularly using. We can then help you to develop good habits that you can carry on with at home.
However if you prefer to use one of our looms (The Oxford Frame Loom or Harris Table Loom), are new to weaving and have are yet to make your first purchase, the methods we use to teach you to weave are all transferable to other types of frame looms and table looms. We will give you all the tips you will need to make that journey smoother.
Q. How many people can join a private workshop?
A. We teach students one-to-one or in small groups of up to 6 in our studio, depending on what students would like to learn. For groups 2+ we offer a 25% discount for each student, but bookings must be made together using code: PRIVATE25
Q. Do you only teach in your studio?
A. Yes. We teach in our studio because this is where we can access all the tools, equipment and materials needed to help students to get to know their loom, asses what tools and equipment they might need and to learn to weave. But some looms are too big to travel with, or student’s may be unable to travel to the studio, so a home visit can be arranged dependent on the journey. Please contact us if you feel this is your best option.
Q. Can I gift a Private Weaving Workshop?
A. Absolutely! This is one of our most popular workshops for those wishing to gift an experience.
If you wish to book a Private Weaving workshop for someone other than yourself, please book the workshop, paying special attention to the confirmation and follow up emails as there will be important information for you to share with the recipient.
*All communication will be shared with the purchaser of the workshop until the recipient requests to open an account (details included in the confirmation emails). Don’t worry, we don’t want to spoil any surprises!*
Q. What is the booking process?
A. Once you have decided what type of loom you would like to learn on, simply book and pay for the workshop of your choice. We will then send you a confirmation of your purchase and a follow-up email with everything you will need to bring with you for your workshop, as well as asking you (or your recipient) to choose a date. This can be done at any time.
You can view the Booking Calendar to see current availability here.