This is an in-depth, intensive course and you will come away with the technical knowledge required to start weaving your own cloth independently.

Days 1-2 Focus on how to design your cloth and calculate a warp using colours of your choice. We will be working with a 2/17 merino wool suitable for apparel and soft furnishing fabric weights. Introduction to the loom and step-by-step guidance on all the processes required to set up your loom, from using a warping mill to threading the heddles. By day 2 your loom will be set up and ready to start weaving.

Days 3-4 You will learn how to read a lifting plan and weave drafts and be introduced to the classic weave structures as well as to more complex, contemporary designs. You will be encouraged to experiment with colour and a variety of yarns. There will be guidance on weaving technique, how to achieve good selvedges and finishing your cloth. You will go home with a selection of samples or completed piece of fabric to display or make a functional item from.

The course will be taught in a small group of six to allow for plenty of personalised tuition. Suitable for complete beginners or students requiring an in-depth refresher. Each student will have use of a dedicated 8-shaft Ashford table loom or similar to use during the course, and also have the option to bring their own.

Included

On this course the tutor will supply the materials and merino wool yarns.

What students need to bring

• Scissors
• Tape measure
• Colour inspiration, if required
• Glasses for close up work, if required

If you especially wish to bring your own table loom, you will need to make your own arrangements to bring and collect your loom on the first and last day of the course, factoring in parking restrictions outside the campus during the day, until 8.30pm.

Available to buy

Available from tutor: Additional merino wool for future projects will be available to purchase to take away after the course.

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes). There may be possible equipment restrictions in tutor absence.

Daily Timetable

Course teaching 11am–5.15pm
Students arrive 10.30am-11am (coffee optional)  
Morning teaching 11am-1pm
Lunch break between 1pm-2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon teaching 2pm-5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes 5.15pm  
 

Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the ‘Materials to bring’ section.

Refreshments

Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.

Access

If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.

Safety

Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.

Refunds and cancellations

Please refer to our terms & conditions below.

Disclaimer

The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.

Terms & Conditions