Off-Loom Weaving Workshop

'Tutor was very good, lovely relaxed atmosphere and lots of materials to use.'

At a glance, this course:

• Supports people's wellbeing
• Promotes low impact living​
• Uses natural materials

About the course

Discover Off-Loom weaving on this creative workshop focusing on using found items from nature i.e wood, shells and rocks. This organic item provides your ‘loom’, and the materials and equipment you need can be carried in a pocket or small bag making this type of weaving an accessible option for outdoor crafting.

Create your own unique piece by perhaps weaving on driftwood to decorate a mantelpiece, a stone to use as a paperweight, or simply focus on the mindful process of weaving.  Naturally dyed linen, hemp, nettle, and recycled and organic cotton are amongst some of the materials that will be available. 

Though all the materials you will need for the workshop are provided, if you have any materials at home that you’d like to experiment with, please feel free to bring them along. This could be yarns you have stashed away, or a piece of driftwood. Please note, if you’re bringing in an item to weave on, it will need to have at least one flat-ish side.

This small and friendly workshop will teach you the basic principles and terminology of weaving. You will be introduced to several off-loom weaving techniques throughout this course based in the South Downs National Park.

The course will give you:

• Information on how to pick the best yarns for weaving
• Experience in yarn wrapping on card and some simple weave structures
• Methods to turn rocks and other items into ‘looms’
• Tips on upcycling old clothing/fabric into yarn
• Tuition to weave on a small, forked, hand held branch (optional)
• Lots of weaving practise!
• A clear handout of notes to take home
• All the makes from the day

This course is suitable for:

Suitable for all adults, complete beginners, and those with a little weaving experience that would like to take their weaving off the loom and into the wild. This workshop will take place indoors.

What to bring:

• Wear something comfortable that won’t catch on the branches and materials, and extra layers if you’d like a little wander to stretch your legs outside
• Bring a packed lunch or purchase from our Beech Cafe

Cancellations, refunds, and bursaries:

Read the full Adult Courses Cancellations and Refunds Policy and Courses Bursary Fund Information.

About the tutor

Ellie Fisher is a textile designer and educator with both a BA in Textile Design, specialising in woven textiles, and MA in Design for Textile Futures from Central St Martins College of Art and Design. She spent a large part of her childhood living abroad and travelling. The vibrant markets of the Middle and Far East triggered her passion for colour, texture and pattern and this influence is expressed through her textiles.

Her business, ELKA, is an award-winning weaving and natural dye studio based in Hampshire with a strong focus on teaching, sustainability, and mental wellbeing, 2023 seeing the publication of her first book ‘Weaving as Art Therapy for Beginners’. | www.elkatextiles.co.uk