Weaving Class Session 2: Warping & Loom Dressing (Ashford 8‑Shaft Loom)

This second session continues directly from the Introduction to Weaving class. Students will learn how to dress the loom step‑by‑step.
About this Event

This session is ideal for:

• Students who have attended Introduction to Weaving (strongly recommended; Intro runs every first Sunday of the month)
• OR experienced beginners familiar with basic weaving tools and natural fibres (wool, cotton, silk, bamboo, linen)

This is a hands‑on technical class. You will be dressing the loom yourself, guided closely throughout.

What You Will Learn

In this class, you will load the warp onto the Ashford 8‑shaft table loom and learn the full process of loom dressing:

• Securing the warp on the back beam
• Spreading the warp using the raddle
• Passing threads through the heddles
• Sleying the reed
• Winding onto the warp beam
• Using threading hooks, weaving sticks, and papers
• Understanding shafts, tension, and loom structure

You will perform each step yourself, with individual guidance and correction.

Materials & Tools

All tools are provided, including:

• Raddle
• Heddles
• Reed
• Threading hooks
• Weaving sticks & papers
• Ashford 8‑shaft table loom

We work exclusively with natural fibres: wool, cotton, silk, bamboo, linen.

Outcome

By the end of this session, you will:

• Understand the full loom‑dressing workflow
• Be able to warp and thread a multi‑shaft loom
• Gain confidence with essential weaving tools
• Be ready to begin weaving patterns in Session 3

The session takes place in a private weaving atelier in North London. An intimate, fully equipped space dedicated to table‑loom weaving.
The only known venue in London offering hands‑on weaving instruction on an Ashford 8‑shaft table loom. The exact address will be provided to registered participants only.

Class sizes are intentionally kept very small to ensure each student receives focused guidance, meaningful exposure to the loom, and extensive hands‑on practice.

Health & Safety Statement

By registering for this workshop, participants acknowledge that weaving involves the use of tools with sharp or pointed components. While the course is fully insured and conducted with appropriate safety guidance, attendees are responsible for handling all equipment with care. The organiser cannot be held liable for injuries resulting from the improper or unsafe use of tools. By purchasing a ticket, attendees confirm that they are in good health, able to handle sharp items responsibly throughout the session, and accept personal responsibility for any injuries arising from the misuse or mishandling of equipment.

Refund policy

Refunds are offered up to 7 days before the workshop. No refunds or rescheduling can be provided after this point, as each place is reserved exclusively for you and class capacity is extremely limited. You may transfer your ticket to another person if you cannot attend. Ticket purchase indicates acceptance of this policy.