With the right introduction, weaving can be a relaxing and gratifying way to create beautiful cloth and objects. The Weavers Guild of Minnesota offers many class options. This handy guide offers more insight into the various beginning weaving classes offered regularly at WGM, including information about the types of equipment you will use, skills you will learn, and what you will make.
Pin Loom Weaving
Pin looms are portable frame looms with pins set around the edge to hold tensioned yarn in place so that you can weave within them. Weave multiple pieces of cloth on the pin loom, then connect them in fun and interesting ways to create scarves, towels, fabric, blankets and more. Wool cloth made on a pin loom can also be used as a base for felting. WGM teaches pin loom weaving classes on triangle, square, and rectangle pin looms. Students will learn to set up their pin looms, weave at least one piece, and then learn options for finishing and combining pieces. Students will get to keep their pin loom after class ends, if included in the materials fee.
Beginning Inkle Weaving
Besides having a long, cross-cultural history, inkle weaving is a fun way to create simple or intricate woven bands that can be used as bookmarks, custom trims, ribbons, guitar straps, leashes, and more. Inkle looms are small-space-friendly while still allowing one to weave yards at a time. Students will learn to set up and weave simple bands on portable inkle looms. Use of an inkle loom is included in the cost of the class. Students will learn a few basic patterns and will be able to choose from a variety of colors for their first project. After completing the beginning course, students have the option to progress to the Intermediate Inkle Weaving class, where they will learn to weave pick-up patterns.
Beginning Card/Tablet Weaving
Card or tablet weaving is an ancient technique known throughout the world. Relying on affordable materials, this inexpensive style of weaving use an anchor point and a backstrap to hold threads under tension and turnable, punctured cards to manipulate threads in order to create patterns. Starting with the basics, this class will help students learn to read a threading diagram, prepare a set of cards for weaving, and use weave a band with simple patterns using a backstrap technique.
Beginning Tapestry Weaving
Tapestry weaving is often compared to painting with fiber. Tapestry designs can be pictorial or abstract and infinitely scalable, from thumbprint to mural-sized. In addition to being wall hangings, tapestry weavings can also be used for bags, clothing, decorative pillows, rugs, and more! In our Beginning Tapestry Weaving class, students will learn essential tapestry vocabulary and tools, loom set-up, finishing options, and techniques for blending color, creating images, and preventing unintentional bubbling. A small tapestry loom will be included as part of the class fee so that you may continue weaving after completing the class.
Ready, Set, Weave! Beginning Rigid Heddle Weaving
Rigid heddle weaving is a great place to start for anyone interested in weaving cloth, scarves, towels, napkins, runners, and more! Rigid heddle looms are portable, easy to store, quick to set up, and very affordable. Students will learn the ‘direct-warping technique to dress their rigid heddle loom, weave a scarf or table runner using wool or cotton yarn, and learn different ways to finish their weaving. A variety of pattern options and color choices will be available for students to choose from. Rigid heddle looms are available to use for the duration of the class, or bring your own. Much of what is covered is transferable to floor loom weaving. After completing Ready, Set, Weave!, additional opportunities will be available each term to learn advanced beginner skills or take the direct-warping refresher class.
Beginning Floor Loom Weaving
Learning to weave on a floor loom opens the door to creating wider and more complex projects. With good guidance, beginning students find floor loom weaving to be enjoyable and meditative. Students will use eight-shaft floor looms to make a plain-weave scarf or runner. This class will introduce students to basic weaving vocabulary, floor loom set-up and operation, simple weaving drafts, and finishing techniques. Use of a floor loom is included in the price of the class. For those interested in weaving a second project, floor looms are available to rent.
Beginning Rag Rug Weaving
Instead of (or, in addition to) weaving a scarf or table runner, learn to weave by making a rag rug. Rag rugs are strong, beautiful, and sustainable as they put old fabric to new use. Similar to the Beginning Floor Loom Weaving class, students will learn basic weaving vocabulary, floor loom set-up and operation, simple weaving drafts, and techniques for finishing their rugs.
Floor Loom Warping Refresher
This class is for students who have experience weaving on a floor loom who need a refresher on the warping process. In this one-day class, students will be led through the process of winding a warp, beaming their warp, threading, and tying on. Eight-shaft floor looms will be available for students to use.
Don’t hesitate to email education@weaversguildmn.org with questions about our classes. For information about private lessons, visit our Private Lessons page. For more information about beginning spinning classes, visit our Class Guide for New Spinners.
