Weaving a narrow linen band with rigid heddle loom

Weave a little band with linen yarn.

Join us in person at Chapter for a hands-on experience with Christiane Seufferlein, where you'll learn the art of weaving a narrow linen band using a rigid heddle loom.

Bands and ribbons have always been important every day helpers. In times without zippers or velcro they have held the small farming world together.

We'll learn how to set up a traditional back strap loom, choose a pattern and work with linen yarn.

Christiane is the artist behind Berta’s Flax: Linen Traditions Across Austria, Germany, and the Czech Borderlands.

Across the borderlands of Austria, Germany, and the Czech Republic, flax was never just a plant—it was a thread woven into survival, identity, and community.

She explores the rich and often overlooked flax traditions of Central Europe through the lived experiences of the women who shaped them. From the preparation of a bride’s dowry as a form of security, to communal labor, seasonal rituals, and festive gatherings, flax was deeply embedded in everyday life. Yet behind the beauty of linen lies a story of endurance: of demanding physical work, economic hardship, and resilience across generations.

This workshop is part of a celebration of flax, held over two days at Chapter and Global Gardens Project, including free public exhibitions, demonstrations, a talk and spinning sessions. Come and learn about flax growing here in Cardiff and join the fibre revolution!

These are bands hand woven by Helen Aanensen around 40 years ago. Her spinning wheel, gifted to cat who has learned to spin with it, is in the exhibition. It was used at Cardiff City Farm (no longer there) in the 1970/80s.