How to get into weaving?

A blog post for beginners, weaving fans and people interested in the world of craft.

The traditional weaving craft has many different variations, you can use a cardboard or wooden frame loom. You can weave on table or floor looms. Or you can use mechanical, Jacquard looms, which are computerised.  

Here are my four ways to get started in the world of weaving:

1. Find a kit - There are many different takes on a weaving kit on the market. These kits can be so helpful, giving you a step by step guide, all the supplies you will need and create a finished product. Often a small business specialising in weaving will be selling a kit. Instagram and Pinterest can be good places to start to find them. You may even want to find the pieces you need individually this way you can get a bit more creative, you could start by looking for a wooden frame loom. This leads me onto number 2.

2. Collecting supplies - this is the time to be really creative. You could set a brief (always happy to help with setting one or a starting point if you need it), get out there to build lots of inspirational photos, this will help with the colours and textures you want to use. Next head to the shops, find those yarn and wool shops to get the yarns you want. Small business is always best and these independent shops will always be on hand and ready to help with any questions you have. 

3. Short or long courses - Feeling inspired yet?

   Courses are the best way if you really want to get involved, experience weaving or even take it up as a hobby or career. I have experience in both short and long courses in weaving. I studied Textile Design For Fashion and Interiors at Bath Spa university, I didn't really know what weaving was when I started. The course enabled us to choose different textile specialisms to try, I really took to weaving and continued it for the two years I had left. From experience, I would advise gaining some work experience during your university time, this enables you to see other weavers in action. I had two week's work experience with Laura Thomas in Wales which was very insightful and I could see the day to day running of a business.

   
   

3. Courses continued.... While I was at university, I wanted some further knowledge of weaving and signed myself up for Janet Phillips Weaving Course in Nether Stowey, Somerset. Janet is very experienced in the weaving world, with numerous books published. On the four day course, I made a blanket sampler, this is a long piece of woven fabric made up of different threading and weaving sequences to create a sample for life. A sample you can go back to, to choose patterns to weave. Courses whether long or short can be found online, social media and word of mouth. 

4. Enjoy it - Make sure to enjoy it (if you don’t there might be another hobby for you) and take inspiration from everywhere. There’s always colour, pattern and texture in the world to take inspiration from, use it in your designs. It creates a nice story and it just might spark an idea. 

If you have any questions do get in touch, always very happy to assist. Happy weaving!