Studio Membership Q&A
Studio Membership – Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How does Studio Membership work?
A. Studio Membership gives you month-long access to The Oxford Weaving Studio, where you can weave independently in a creative and well-equipped space. Each month, members have access to:
- A dedicated loom (frame or table loom).
- Specialist weaving equipment and tools.
- A curated selection of yarns, with an exclusive 20% discount on stock yarns.
- A supportive community of weavers to share ideas and advice.
Membership runs from the 1st to the last day of the month, with limited spots available for both table and frame loom weavers.
Q. Is studio membership suitable for complete beginners?
A. Studio Membership is best suited for weavers who feel comfortable working on their own projects at their own pace. Many members have previously taken one of our Intro to Weaving workshops and are looking for a space to continue practicing and developing their skills.
If you’re new to weaving, or feel like you might need a little extra guidance at the start, a one-hour private session could be all you need to feel confident setting up your project. We also offer Intro to Weaving workshops throughout the year to help you build skills before joining.
The studio is a friendly and supportive environment, and there will often be other weavers around to share advice. Plus, a mentoring option will be available soon for those wanting more structured guidance.
Q. How do I book my membership?
A. Booking is done online in two steps:
1️⃣ Purchase your membership – Select the month you want on the membership product page and complete your booking.
2️⃣ Choose your loom – You’ll receive an email with a link to our Loom Booking Calendar, where you can select your specific loom.
If you’re unsure which loom is right for you, get in touch before booking, and we’ll be happy to help.
Q. How far in advance can I book my membership?
A. Membership can be booked at any time for any available month, including dates into 2025. If you like to plan ahead, securing your spot early ensures availability, but you’re also welcome to book closer to your start date if spaces remain.
Q. What happens when I join?
A. Each new member will receive a mandatory 1-hour studio induction, which includes:
- A walkthrough of the Studio Membership Handbook, covering guidelines and expectations.
- An introduction to the looms and equipment, ensuring you’re familiar with how they work and can use them independently.
- A tour of the Makespace Oxford building, introducing you to the shared creative space.
- Keys and access codes for independent studio entry, along with training on lock-up procedures.
This induction ensures you feel confident and prepared to make the most of your membership.
Q. When can I access the studio?
A. Members have flexible access from Monday – Sunday, 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM and can come and go as needed.
How often you use the studio is entirely up to you! Some members might come in every day to work on an intensive project, while others may drop in a few days a week at their own pace. Whether you’re a former weave student looking to refine your skills or a new or returning weaver working on a personal project, you can use the space as much or as little as you need within your membership month.
Each member will be given keys to the studio and the building and will receive full training on building lock-up procedures to ensure everything runs smoothly.
The studio is located within a shared creative space, home to other businesses and studio holders, so you’ll often find a friendly, bustling environment—especially on weekdays. Evenings and weekends tend to be quieter, offering a more peaceful atmosphere for weaving.
Q. Is weaving support available in the studio?
A. Yes! While membership is designed for independent weavers, there will often be other weavers in the studio—sometimes even me—to offer advice on simple questions.
For extra guidance, private weaving sessions are available, and a mentoring option will be launching soon for those wanting more structured support.
Members should feel comfortable working autonomously, but the studio is a welcoming space where weavers can share knowledge and inspiration.
Q. What if I know how to weave but haven’t used your looms before?
A. If you’re new to the looms in our studio, don’t worry! The studio induction will cover how to use them, and you’ll have time to get familiar with the setup.
There’s also a written guide available in the studio if you need a quick reference, and fellow members can often provide helpful tips if you have questions along the way.
While membership is designed for independent weavers, you’ll never be completely on your own!
Q. What types of weaving does the membership support?
A. At The Oxford Weaving Studio, we encourage you to Discover Your Weaving Style—whether that means refining your current techniques or experimenting with something new.
Our membership supports both hand-weaving and tapestry weaving, with access to:
- Table looms (4, 8, or 16 shafts) for structured weaving projects.
- Frame looms (Medium & X-Large) for tapestry or free-form weaving.
- A curated selection of books to inspire new techniques and creative approaches.
Weaving is a journey, and this membership gives you the space, tools, and resources to explore and develop your own style.
Q. Can I join as a member even if I have my own loom?
A. Yes! You’re welcome to bring your own loom and weave in the studio. Membership isn’t just about loom access—it’s about having a dedicated space, professional tools, high-quality yarns, and a creative community to support your weaving.
You'll also get access to specialist weaving equipment, a curated book collection, and exclusive yarn discounts—all designed to help you explore and refine your craft.
Q. Should I visit the studio before joining?
A. If you're thinking about joining and want to see the space, I’d love to show you around! Since this is a working studio, visits are by appointment and best suited for those seriously considering membership.
If you can’t visit in person, feel free to get in touch—I’m happy to answer any questions to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.
Q. Is yarn included in the membership?
A. Yes! Members get access to a wide variety of yarns to explore and use in their projects.
- Sample Yarns – Small amounts on bobbins or tapestry bundles, perfect for testing colours and textures before committing to a full project.
- Stock Yarns (20% Discount!) – High-quality weaving yarns in a range of colours, available for purchase with an exclusive 20% member discount.
- Limited One-Off Yarns – Unique textures and colours, often in small quantities. These may be enough for a project, but won’t be restocked—so planning ahead is key!
If you need something specific, I can help source yarns from trusted suppliers to bring your ideas to life.
Q. Can I take studio equipment and yarns home with me?
A. To keep the studio well-stocked and fair for everyone, all looms, tools, and shared materials should stay in the studio. Each member will have a dedicated storage space, so you’ll always have a place for your loom and materials.
For yarns, small amounts may be taken home for colour windings or testing, but full cones and shared materials should remain in the studio. Since members may want to use the same colours and textures, we’ll encourage a spirit of sharing—and if needed, we may introduce a simple system to keep things fair.
The goal is to create a collaborative, well-stocked studio where everyone can weave freely without worry—and a little organisation helps make that possible!
Ready to start weaving?
Whether you're a new or returning weaver, Studio Membership gives you the space, tools, and support to explore your craft at your own pace. With flexible access, dedicated looms, and a welcoming creative environment, you can weave as much or as little as you like throughout the month.
If you’d like to see the space before joining, book a studio visit, or if you're ready to get started, secure your membership today!