Geometric Weaving: Advanced Techniques
Level up your tapestry skills with my advanced geometric weaving class
Pre-order is open now - sign up before July 14th to get £15 off
Access to the class opens on July 15th 2024
About This Class
Geometric Weaving : Advanced Techniques is an in-depth class that builds on my existing Geometric Weaving online course.
It looks at weaving geometric shapes on a larger scale, and constructing complex designs that fit together on the loom.
I’ll be sharing what I’ve learnt in almost a decade of weaving professionally, and helping you increase the scale and ambition of your own tapestry designs.
Each video is pre-recorded, with closed captions and transcripts, so you can watch at your own pace, as many times as you need.
Detailed patterns and templates will be provided for you to download, along with a PDF handbook summarising the class content.
An in-depth list of the tools and materials you’ll need for the class is available further down this page.
Finally, if you need additional help and guidance, I’ll be answering student questions via email and in a private community group!
What You’ll Be Making
I’ll be demonstrating the process of weaving a tapestry that is 65cm wide and 55cm high. Depending on your confidence as a weaver, you can opt to either-
Follow The Pattern - the class includes a detailed pattern with measurements and pick counts so you can replicate my design exactly on your own loom.
Weave It In Sections - if you’re not feeling ready to weave the full design, I’ve broken it down into four smaller sections which are approximately 32.5cm wide and 27.5cm high. Detailed patterns for each of these sections are included in the class.
Create Your Own - You can opt to use the cut-out templates provided to create your own geometric design, inspired by what we cover in the class. I’ve also included advice and instruction on gathering inspirations, designing your own tapestry and creating your own cartoon.
For a detailed list of the tools and materials you’ll need to complete the class, click here.
Included In The Class
16 Pre-Recorded Videos
These videos cover the full process of designing, weaving and finishing a large-scale geometric tapestry. Closed captions and transcripts are available for each one.
1 PDF Handbook
This includes notes and step-by-step instructions from each video to refer back to while weaving.
5 Patterns
1 pattern covers the whole design, and the remaining 4 break the design into smaller, more achievable sections. Each one detailed measurements and pick counts.
Community Group Membership
The Balfour & Co Community Group is an exclusive forum where you can share your progress, ask questions and get feedback
Email Support
There is a dedicated email address where you can get in touch and ask questions
Lifetime Access
Your access to the class will never expire and you’ll be able to come back to it as many times as you like.
Sign up before July 14th to get £15 off!
About Your Teacher
I’ve been weaving tapestries professionally for over eight years, working with private clients and interior designers to produce bespoke handmade wall-hangings and rugs. My work has been featured in the Guardian, the New York Times, and profiled by The Modern House. I’ve taught weaving classes at the Barbican and the V&A.
In this online class, I’ll be sharing some of weaving techniques I use every day in my own work, and giving you an insight into the practice of a professional weaver.
You can find out more about my work on my website here.
What You’ll Need For The Class
A Large Loom- The tapestry I weave in this class is 65cm/25.5” wide and 55cm/21.6” high, so your loom will need to be large enough to accomodate this. You should also be able to warp your loom at a sett of 8epi (that is, you need 8 warps per inch of tapestry). Get in touch with my team here if you’re not sure if your loom is suitable for the class.
Warp Yarn - You will need a sturdy tapestry warp, preferably cotton. I am using a 12/9 cotton tapestry warp, which is 1mm or 24WPI.
Weft Yarn - I am using Axminster rug yarn here, weaving with a single strand at a time. These yarns are of varying weights but are generally around 14-16 WPI. You can use yarns of this thickness, or double up thinner yarns to match this.
Weaving Tools - a shed stick, shuttles, a bobbin, a comb, a tapestry needle and sharp scissors.
We are working on a list of recommended stockists and suppliers for this class. Sign up to the waiting list below to be notified when the supplier list is ready 👇🏻
Frequently Asked Questions
When will this class begin?
Access to the class will open on Monday July 15th 2024 at 9am BST, and you’ll get instant access to the entire class and the community group. I’m not able to grant access before then.
How much does the class cost?
We are launching discounted pre-orders from April 5th onwards, with limited spots available! You’ll be able to get the class for £60, and £75 after that. Once access to the class has opened, customers can sign up anytime at the standard price of £90.
Is this class suitable for beginners?
While I have done my best to make this class as accessible as possible, I don’t recommend it for total beginners. Some level of basic weaving experience is a must. If you’ve never tried weaving before I recommend taking my Geometric Weaving online course first before undertaking this course.
Do I have to take the Geometric Weaving course first?
It’s recommended, but not essential! So long as you have some basic weaving experience you should be able to manage this class.
How is this class different to your Geometric Weaving course?
In Geometric Weaving, we focus on one technique at a time. Students weave a number of samples to explore each technique and improve their skills. In the Advanced Techniques class, I’m demonstrating on a much larger scale, with a wider variety of patterns and shapes, showing how each one fits together. The goal is not only to help you master the individual techniques but to show you how they can come together into a complex design.
What loom do you recommend for this class?
I am using an upright rug loom, but there’s a wide number of looms that would be suitable here. My top recommendations would be the Mirrix 32” Joni Loom or the Ashford Tapestry Loom. Alternatively, you can use a simple frame loom, provided it is large enough.
Can I download this class?
This class comes with a downloadable PDF workbook, so you can have step-by-step instructions and notes to hand while weaving, and printable patterns and templates. However, the videos themselves cannot be downloaded. Our videos are hosted on a platform similar to Youtube - if your internet connection is not strong enough to watch Youtube, it will not be strong enough for this course. Please check this before you sign up!