Inkle refers to the weaving of warp-faced bands, and there are a great many ways to inkle weave, all of them easy and relaxing. This portable mode of weaving is not limited to using a modern inkle loom though that is where we will begin. We'll start by choosing from a host of designs in your choice of colors and soon you'll understand how to create your own color designs.   

Inkle looms may be threaded to create bar patterns if you wish to explore pattern development through simple pick-up techniques. We can provide tablet boards and tablets if you wish to explore tablet weaving and hole and slot heddles and curved shuttles if you wish to explore the fascinating world of Baltic Pick-up patterns.  Explore color and pattern design while creating sturdy and sumptuous straps and sashes, lanyards and much more. No previous weaving experience is necessary.

In this six-week class you will learn different ways to plan and create your warp-faced designs, how to select the best yarns for your intended purpose, and how to warp your inkle loom in a design of your choosing. 

You'll learn how to measure and make your own string heddles if you don't already have them for your inkle loom. You'll learn how  designs are charted for a variety of styles of band weaving, how to read  them, and you’ll be offered time saving tips on warping & to achieve even edges on your bands and be shown several ways to secure the ends of your weaving.

Please bring your own inkle loom and stick shuttle  if you have one, though several will be available on loan for those who don't have one of their own. If you have time to weave at least two hours a week between classes at home, you can expect to weave as many as 4-5  bands over the course of this six week class. All yarns provided.Surely someone on your gift list needs a guitar strap, a camera strap, a bookmark, a small cellphone bag, a zipper purse, or just a greeting card with a snip of your inkle weaving in the window! 

No Class on November 24

Whether you are new to weaving or longing to build on your foundational skills, there is a place for you here. In this hybrid class you will have ample opportunity to develop your skills as a weaver, regardless of experience. For the new weaver, you’ll have an opportunity to weave in rotation on several fully warped looms to develop your familiarity with the motions and touch involved in creating beautiful cloth.

In addition to weaving time, new weavers will learn to plan a project, make a warp, and dress a loom, hopefully having time to weave on that loom before the end of the course. Those with prior experience—“Next Step” weavers—will plan, make a warp, dress their loom and see their project through to completion, all with Lausanne’s support as needed. Since we most often learn by observing, in this hybrid class everyone benefits.

Class time will include occasional assignments, discussion of weekly handouts, and instructor presentations on topics that will further your understanding of the vast world of weaving. Next Step students are encouraged to keep a weaving journal and to provide a project plan prior to beginning their warp. For those who are ready, time will be spent reading and creating weaving drafts, both with pen and graph paper, and by an introduction to using a weaving draft program if desired.

Class time is supplemented by several Open Studio opportunities per week. Students accomplish more weaving and enjoy the benefits of practice if they are able to attend one or more of these.

Whether you are new to weaving, have former experience, or are fresh from one of Lausanne’s weaving classes here at the Craft School, you will find inspiration and room to grow and connect with other weavers.

Limited to 8

Open Studio Schedule

To Be Determined

Tapestry weaving dates back thousands of years and is a woven art form that conjures many images in peoples’ minds. It is a medium that allows the weaver to create shape, design, texture and symbol using yarn. In this course, students will learn fundamental skills required for taking their tapestry weaving ideas to the next level.

We will use a simple frame loom that students will learn to warp themselves. Also covered are: weaving vocabulary, some tapestry yarns and tapestry weaving tools. Students will create samplers that will include most if not all of the following elements: horizontal and vertical lines, spots, and shapes like squares, rectangles and triangles, outlining, color gradations, and some finishing techniques.

This will be a hands-on class with a specific set of skills taught in each class that participants can experiment with and develop for the remainder of class.

Materials included, loom and tools available for use during course of class. 

** No Class on February 24, 2027 **

The Further Explorations course is an opportunity to expand your skills and try something new with an experienced mentor to guide you through any tricky spots.

Try a new structure, a new fiber, or finer yarns. Or explore the design possibilities of an 8-shaft loom. And enjoy the camaraderie of fellow fiber enthusiasts as you weave. This course is designed to meet you where you are on your weaving journey and to expand your ability to more effortlessly achieve the results you want.

This is a project oriented course, with each student selecting their own project to weave.  The course is primarily hands-on with each student warping and weaving their own individual project. The instructor will be available for one-on-one assistance and will offer tips for greater ease and efficiency of weaving. In addition, weekly half-hour presentations will focus on gaining a greater understanding of weave structures and their possibilities.

Students should plan to choose their project and obtain their yarn prior to the first class.  To ensure ample weaving time, winding your warp prior to the first class is encouraged.  The instructor is available to consult on project selection and to suggest resources at any point in your decision process.  They appreciate knowing your weaving plans prior to the first class in order to inform loom assignments and possible class presentation topics.  Please email fiber@shelburnecraftschool.org to be put in touch with the instructor.

In addition to class times, students are encouraged to attend one or more of the Open Studios offered throughout the week in order to have plenty of weaving time. The full Open Studio schedule will be available closer to the start of the class. 

If you are interested in a wider or 8-shaft loom, early registration is encouraged to ensure your choice of loom.

Pre-requisites:

Next Steps course or the equivalent experience. Students should be familiar with the steps of warping a loom and able to weave following a draft.

Materials

Students will supply their own yarns. If you would prefer to buy yarn from the studio, please write to fiber@shelburnecraftschool.org. The studio has a wide range of yarns available for purchase at reasonable prices.

Have you been curious about Tapestry Weaving but weren't sure about registering for a multi-week class? Or, are you looking for a great way to dive into a new art form and immerse yourself in learning? This tapestry weaving weekend workshop is for you!

Tapestry weaving dates back thousands of years and is a woven art form that conjures many images in peoples’ minds. It is a medium that allows the weaver to create shape, design, texture and symbol using yarn. In this course, students will learn fundamental skills required for taking their tapestry weaving ideas to the next level.

We will use a simple frame loom that students will learn to warp themselves. Students will create samplers that will include most if not all of the following elements: horizontal and vertical lines, spots, and shapes like squares, rectangles and triangles, outlining, and some finishing techniques.

Come join us for this immersive introductory experience with tapestry weaver, Susan Snider. 

Color theory, color harmony and developing color palettes will be explored using the Zollie Palette Scout Color Cards and Tool Kit. This hands on interactive class will inspire and give you the confidence to develop unique and eye catching designs. This class is appropriate for those using yarn, fabric and other fiber in their work.

Rigid Heddle Looms are known for their simplicity and portability. In this introductory workshop, students will learn the basics of weaving as well as several weaving techniques to achieve a variety of textures, looks and designs. Other skills learned will be:

* dressing a rigid heddle loom* preparing yarn for weaving* finishing techniques

The completed project will be a sampler showcasing the various techniques demonstrated which will give each weaver plenty of ideas and inspiration for their next project!

Once a weaver has learned the basics in tapestry weaving, it’s a natural next step to learn how to apply them to designs. Project planning, yarn choice, technique application… all of this and more will be covered in this class.

Each week a different weaving topic will be covered, and each student will have the opportunity to explore their weaving plans with the instructor and their group. In addition, small projects will be suggested for students to practice techniques that will take their weaving to a new level.

This is a class that can be taken as many times as one wants, as new issues and questions arise with any tapestry project a weaver takes on. There is also great camaraderie that forms amongst weavers as we expand into this art form.

Pre-requisite: Introductory to Tapestry Weaving or commensurate experience.

Materials needed for this class:

Tapestry loom
Preferred warp yarn
Preferred weft yarn
Weaving tools

If you are building your supplies stash and would like some suggestions on what to purchase, please reach out to fiber@shelburnecraftschool.org

Borrowing from the studio is also an option depending on availability.

NOTE: For this semester, the group will meet every other week to allow time for weaving in between classes.