Classes & Workshops
Textile Workshops & Classes
We run a variety of textile workshops and classes here at the Handweavers Studio & Gallery in London. Our workshops regularly cover techniques of hand weaving on shaft, rigid heddle and frame looms, hand spinning yarn and tassel making - workshops vary in length and skill level.
So whether you are a beginner, or looking to improve your skills we are sure that you will find the right workshop for you.
We also hold weekly classes in shaft loom weaving and tapestry weaving, these run on a 10 week term basis and are suitable for all levels.
Our Diploma course is a two-year part-time weaving course for weavers who want to take their weaving to another level. Please see below for more information on all of these.
Yarn Spinning Classes
In our Introduction to Spinning workshop (repeated regularly through the year) you will learn how to use a drop spindle and a spinning wheel; it is suitable for beginners and refreshers.
Complementing this class is a periodic Spinning for Improvers workshop where you can build confidence and expand your range of skills.
Loom Weaving Workshops
Our four day weaving workshop, Introduction to Weaving is suitable for beginners and refreshers, is repeated regularly throughout the year. Over the course of two consecutive days on two consecutive weeks you will learn how to get a loom ready to weave, experiment with a variety of yarns and weave structures, learn how to read weave notation and how to finish your cloth once it’s woven. You will take home your woven samples and a substantial handout!
Alternatively our one day Learn, Make & Take workshop introduces the simpler rigid heddle loom. In this class you not only learn how to set it up, but you’ll even be able to take home a finished scarf to show off your new skills.
Through the year improvers and advanced weavers are offered various technique workshops designed to enhance and expand their weaving repertoire.
Tapestry Workshops
In our taster afternoon Modern Tapestry workshop you will learn how to set up a peg frame loom, and then as you are introduced to a a range of basic tapestry techniques you will weave a small sampler hanging to take home - this is an ideal class for friends and family members to do together.
Periodically a workshop is held on colour blending in traditional flat tapestry.
Weekly Weaving Classes
Our mixed ability shaft loom weaving classes are organised into three 10-week terms per year - autumn, spring and summer. They are held on Monday and Tuesday evenings and Tuesday and Thursday mornings and afternoons.
Beginners learn weaving basics, as their class tutor guides them through the entire weaving process with the Handweavers sampler (we will provide the materials for your beginner sampler). Improvers, and more experienced weavers, work on their own projects with the support of the class tutor.
Class size is limited to 10 people which enables the tutor to give as much support as possible to each individual; every student is assigned a modern 8 shaft loom that will be ‘theirs’ to weave on for the term (loom remains on premises).
A Tapestry weaving class is held on a Wednesday evening - it is a mixed ability class which works on the same basis as the shaft loom classes. The tutor will assist you as appropriate for your level of skill. Students can either use one of our frame looms (remains on premises) or their own if they wish to take it home to continue weaving during the week.
If you would like to join the current waiting list for any of our classes please let us know which days/times could potentially work for you.
Workshop programme
Please check our upcoming workshop programme where you will find a list of our workshops and classes.
The Handweavers Diploma
Our current Diploma cycle will run until July 2024.
If you are interested in the next cycle please take a look at the 2022-2024 prospectus where you will find more information and contact details.
You can see some work from a previous Diploma group below:
The video on this page is our 2019-2021 cohort's final project exhibition:
