65 Weaving courses

nearly wild weaving

Inspired by the natural world, one of my favourite things is sitting somewhere outdoors ‘weaving the view’, distilling key elements of what I see to create a tapestry in just a few hours. When I look at the tapestry afterwards, I’m reminded of the birdsong, breeze and sense of wellbeing that I experienced while I was weaving. My portfolio also includes much more in-depth studio-designed pieces, each the product of many hour, days and weeks of planning and weaving. And I love inspiring other people to be creative through the medium of tapestry weaving, often through participatory outdoor weaving experiences, but also through workshops and community projects.

the liverpool weaving company

The Liverpool Weaving Company was founded by Kirsty Jean Leadbetter in 2018, to facilitate her passion for woven textiles in the city she was raised in and loves. This design studio is Liverpool's very first and only micro mill, offering bespoke artisan cloth and tweeds in short runs and beautiful homewares. Kirsty works with a plethora of clients, from local alpaca farmers to haute couture brands. Kirsty Jean has a decades worth of woven experience, such co-managing a weave studio in the Shetland Islands, a place she still draws much inspiration from.

bird farm alpacas

Bird Farm Alpacas - Mission Statement Bird Farm is a place of sanctuary for all who visit and spend time here. We have a cosy craft studio in the beautifully converted barn, with plenty of tea and cake to share! We know from our own experiences the value of spending time outside in nature, with animals, growing food or crafting with willow or fibre. We host a monthly community craft group on the first Wednesday of the month and 'Basket cases' monthly willow weaving group on the last Monday of the month. Please email or message to know more. We are also able to access and offer complimentary therapies such as Reflexology, Reiki, NLP and Bowen.

jackie bennett

My work is driven by the urge to experiment and sample yarns. I respond to the environments I find myself in, urban or rural. Trees are a constant inspiration, as are buildings. I have recently been making work concerned with vision and the loss of sight. I favour plant fibres: cotton, hemp, linen, jute and bamboo but also include wool and silk. I have been weaving on small frames since I was a child. Following an art and design Foundation Course, I gained a BA (Hons) in African and Asian Art and Archaeology at SOAS, London University. I have worked as an arts administrator and assistant for artists and arts organisations, gaining a certificate in Arts Management and Levels 1 & 2 OCA Textiles. Having specialised in Tapestry Weaving, I completed the post-graduate diploma at West Dean College in 1997. I exhibit in the UK and internationally. Conversely, I am also working on and researching a medieval-inspired community embroidered tapestry to commemorate the Battle of Lewes (1264). I teach tapestry weaving and crewel embroidery techniques.

norfolk hedge baskets

lark & bower

Have you always wanted to learn how to weave?  Sarah Ward, Founder of Lark & Bower offers a variety of online weaving workshops including 'off-loom weaving', rock weaving, paper weaving and also darning and visible mending. 'Off-Loom' weaving is essentially weaving without a loom, around found objects like wood, tiles or rocks, using needle and thread.  It's brilliant for first time weavers, as it helps us to understand the basics of woven structure, without the added complexity of the loom. These workshops are suitable for all ages and all levels, from total beginner, to seasoned weavers - so if you're thinking of taking up weaving, or just looking for a new direction to take your craft, these workshops are a great place to start! The main focus of the workshop is the simple twill, and from there, we'll try a dogtooth, and even a check! We'll play with colour, texture and pattern and discover the magic of weaving. It's simpler than it looks! As an environmental activist, the main focus of Sarah's work is to share knowledge through craft. She uses her woven work to advocate weaving as an art form, encouraging the learning and passing on of skills in traditional crafts, keeping the ancient craft alive but also raising awareness about waste and the impact of fast fashion on our planet. 

weaving wild

I am a basket maker living and working in Mid Wales. Inspired by the landscape, I gather wild materials including willowbark, grasses, bramble, ivy, nettles, roots and moss to create baskets using ancient technologies and innovative techniques. I hope my work nudges others to relate, understand and protect the natural environment.

elka

ELKA is a weaving and natural dye studio based in Hampshire and Wiltshire. Ellie spent a large part of her childhood living abroad and travelling. The vibrant markets of the Middle and Far East triggered her passion for colour, texture and pattern and this influence is expressed through her textiles. She completed both her BA in Textile Design, specialising in woven textiles, and MA in Design for Textile Futures at Central St Martins College of Art and Design, graduating in 2006.  After graduating, she moved back to Winchester to set up her weaving business which she has been running full time since 2015. In 2018 Claudia started working with the business to produce naturally dyed yarns for Ellie to weave with, and to sell on their website.  They have a growing range of online self-paced courses which have been designed to get you confidently weaving and natural dyeing from the comfort of your home.

julia walton

Discover the heritage craft of chair caning in this hands-on one day course. Together we will weave a small frame for you to take home in the traditional 6 way caning pattern.  Class sizes are limited to 5 people so if you are coming with friends it's best to book early and together.  If you are buying the workshop as a gift a gift certificate can be issued on request (further dates in the New year yet to be released).  This is a one day workshop 10am till 4pm including break for lunch. 

christiane gunzi basketry

Based in East Sussex, I handcraft traditional and contemporary basketry using willow, rush and other natural materials. My training was at the City Lit in London (2011-2013), and I have a City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate in Creative Techniques in Textiles (Basketry). Influenced by the patterns, textures and tones that occur in nature, I enjoy exploring non-functional basketry with natural materials foraged near my home. As well as making baskets, I run basketweaving classes for beginners and improvers. I love passing on my passion for this ancient craft. My work has been exhibited in London, Surrey and Sussex.