Which Type of Weaving Is Right for You?

A look back at a year of weaving — and a guide to what you can learn in our workshops

If you’re curious about weaving but unsure where to begin, you’re not alone. Weaving covers a wide range of techniques, tools and outcomes — from structured, patterned cloth to free-form, sculptural pieces — and knowing which style suits you can make all the difference.

As we look back on the past year of workshops, I’ve been reflecting on the extraordinary range of work created by students — each piece shaped by different hands, fibres and intentions. This blog is both a look back at what’s been made in our workshops over the last year, and a practical guide for anyone wondering which type of weaving might be right for them as we head into a new year of workshops.

All of our in-person workshops are suitable for complete beginners, and those with a little experience looking for a refresher.

Table Loom Weaving

Structured cloth, depth of learning, strong foundations

Table loom weaving is the most technical workshop I teach, and it’s where many people really begin to understand how woven fabric works.

What’s covered

Over two days, you’ll learn how to:

• plan a warp (yarn choices, sett, width and colour)

• dress a loom step by step

• weave using four shafts

• understand pattern structure, tension and pattern

• finish your woven piece and understand how it behaves

We work on Louët Erica 4-shaft table looms, using Ashford yarn stands and yarns from Venne (organic cotton and cottolin), alongside Tencel yarns from Maurice Brassard, chosen for their strength, drape and lower environmental impact.

What people make

Table loom weaving produces cloth suitable for wearable or functional projects — samples, scarves and fabric panels that can be built on for future projects.

Who it suits

This workshop suits people who:

• enjoy understanding process and structure

• want to make usable fabric

• are happy taking things step by step

• want skills they can continue developing long-term

Inkle Loom Weaving

Patterned bands, portable weaving, immediate results

Inkle weaving is a focused one-day workshop and a brilliant introduction to patterned weaving without the complexity of larger looms.

What’s covered

You’ll learn how to:

• warp an inkle loom

• plan colour and pattern

• weave narrow bands that sit flat and wear well

• manage tension and selvedges

We use Ashford inkle looms, Ashford yarn stands, and Venne organic cotton and cottolin yarns.

What people make

Narrow woven bands — belts, bag straps, trims and decorative pieces, each with strong pattern and colour.

Who it suits

Ideal if you:

• want a satisfying introduction in a single day

• love colour and pattern

• want something portable to continue at home

• like the idea of weaving practical cloth

Frame Loom Weaving

Texture, play, material exploration

Frame loom weaving is a one-day workshop focused on texture, fibre and experimentation.

What’s covered

You’ll learn how to:

• warp a frame loom

• work with varied yarn weights

• build texture and surface

• experiment with colour and materials

We work on our Elka frame looms, using a wide range of materials:
from naturally dyed linen, banana yarn, second-hand yarns, embroidery threads sourced from car boot sales and eBay, and fibres from DHG (Italy) including linen, hemp, viscose and banana fibre.

What people make

Textural woven artworks — wall pieces and expressive panels that celebrate fibre and surface.

Who it suits

Perfect for people who:

• enjoy tactile, intuitive making

• like experimenting rather than following patterns

• are drawn to texture and fibre

• want weaving to feel meditative and exploratory

Off-Loom Weaving

Nature-led, intuitive, sculptural

Off-loom weaving removes traditional equipment altogether and invites nature into the process.

What’s covered

The day begins with experimenting with colour and pattern on cardboard, before moving on to weaving with natural forms in the afternoon.

Your “loom” might be:

• a branch

• driftwood

• a stone

We work with recycled cotton yarns from Hooked (the same yarns used in our weaving starter kits), linen yarns, naturally dyed by mum, and a mix of fibres and yarns for wrapping and binding.

What people make

One-of-a-kind sculptural woven pieces, shaped by both material and maker.

Who it suits

This workshop is ideal if you:

• want complete creative freedom

• enjoy working with natural materials

• are less interested in rules and more in intuition

• want weaving to feel grounded and expressive

Looking Ahead to the Year Ahead

Seeing the work created across all four types of weaving over the past year has been a real reminder that no two weavers — or outcomes — are ever the same. Each workshop offers a different entry point into weaving, and each attracts people for different reasons.

With another year of workshops booked at Fisherton Mill, I’m really looking forward to seeing what the next set of looms, fibres and hands will create.

If you’re still unsure where to start, I’m always happy to help you choose — and whichever path you take, you’ll be supported every step of the way.