Rug Weaving Workshops
Upcoming Workshops
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Information on our booking and cancellation policies can be found here.
Please ensure you have read this prior to booking your workshop.
About The Class
Our rug weaving class is a 3-day workshop that takes you through the full process of weaving rugs from start to finish. Learn this unique craft in an intimate setting, with hands-on guidance from professional weaver Christabel Balfour.
In the class you’ll set up your loom, design your own rug and weave it yourself, with plenty of support and advice along the way. Finally, you’ll cut your rug off the loom and finish the loose ends, so your rug is ready to use. You’ll go home with your completed rug, as well as your own set of weaving tools and warp yarn.
Spaces on each class are limited, so as to allow plenty of time for one-to-one teaching and to ask any weaving questions.
Our Weaving Teacher
This workshop is hosted and taught by our founder, artist and tapestry weaver Christabel Balfour. Christabel has been weaving rugs professionally for over seven years, working with private clients and interior designers to produce bespoke handmade rugs. Her work has been featured in the Guardian, the New York Times, and profiled by The Modern House. She has taught weaving classes at the Barbican and the V&A.
In the workshop she’ll be sharing the weaving techniques she uses every day in her own work, and give you an insight into the practice of a professional weaver.
You can find out more about her work on her website here.
What You’ll Make
In the workshop, you’ll be designing and weaving your own rug. The looms we use allow for a rug 40cm wide and up to 60cm long - although not all students will weave that far!
We recommend that students contact us in advance if they have a specific idea of what they’d like to weave - so we can let them know if it will be achievable or not!
In the first two hours of the class, you’ll learn to set up and warp an upright rug loom. We’ll look at managing tension, adding a shed stick and heddle rod, and keeping the warp evenly spaced.
Next, students will finalise their designs and choose the colours for their rug. We provide a full colour palette of 12 different shades of Axminster rug wool for you to choose from. Students have the option of weaving abstract or geometric shapes, and exploring colour blending and striped patterns.
Once your design is planned out, you’ll prepare your tools and start to weave. Throughout the class, Christabel will offer guidance on correct weaving technique, ensuring an even balance of warp and weft and creating a secure rug.
Class Timetable
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9:45 - Arrival
Students arrive and settle in10am - Introduction
Class begins with a short talk and demonstration of the looms, tools and materials, as well as possible rug designs.10:30am - Warping
Students begin warping their looms. We cover tension issues, warp spacing and how to add a continuous string heddle.1pm - Break for Lunch
2pm - Starting To Weave
Students have more time to continue warping their looms if needed. They will finalise their designs, choose colours and begin weaving.5pm - Class Finishes
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9:45 - Arrival
Students arrive and settle in10am - Weaving
Students continue or begin weaving their rugs. We will cover correct rug weaving technique, colour blending and introducing woven shapes.1pm - Break For Lunch
2pm - Weaving
Students continue weaving, building up their rugs. They will also learn how to adjust the loom to keep it at comfortable height.5pm- Class Finishes
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9:45 - Arrival
Students arrive and settle in10am - Weaving
Students will work towards the end point of their rugs.1pm - Break For Lunch
2pm - Finishing
Students will start to take their rugs off the loom. We’ll cover how to stitch in the loose ends, sew up gaps and finish the warp with an overhand knot.5pm - Class Finishes