A loom made of sticks: An online class in backstrap weaving
The Complete Course
Registration open!!!
the most portable, affordable way to weave…
This course will teach you to master one of the most ancient pieces of technology known to humankind: the backstrap loom. This course is perfect for anyone who wants to learn to weave, or for those who are experienced in weaving and want to learn something new. You will learn to set up a backstrap loom from scratch. (You can even make your own loom if you want!) You will learn the basics of weaving, and then you will be given the tools to go further- creating your own designs for your own projects. Once you master the basic set up and rhythm of the loom, the sky is your limit!
Watch this video to see the backstrap weaving process
What is included?
5 downloadable modules will land in your inbox shortly after you purchase the class.
6 hours total of pre-recorded demonstration videos
Written instructions with hand-drawn illustrations for each module
6 months to ask me as many questions as you want through email.
What is covered in the class?
Each module introduces one or two new techniques. Each module contains a unique project to practice the techniques the module covers. The first module teaches the basics of setting up a backstrap loom and weaving. The projects and techniques get more advanced with each module.
Module One: Setting Up Your Loom- Narrow Belt Project
Module Two: Warping with Two Colors and Weaving Wider- Backstrap or Table Runner Project
Module Three: Beginning Patterns with Andean Pebble Weave- Sampler Project
Module Four: Longer Warps and Balanced Weave- Scarf Project
Module Five: Winding a Circular Warp- Small Bag Project
Materials?
You can make your own loom very cheaply. (Click here for free instructions)
Or you can buy a loom from me for $220. (Click here).
You will also need yarn, this will probably cost about $50 to get started, of course it depends on how much you weave!! Instructions for finding appropriate yarn come with the class.
How much does it cost?
$350
A pre-assignment will land in your inbox after you sign up. The pre-assignment explains how to acquire or make all materials and equipment (a backstrap loom and appropriate yarn) that you will need to complete this class. It includes how to make your own loom if you are motivated to do that. I estimate that the materials you need to complete this class will cost you between $50- $300, depending on whether you decide to make your own loom, or buy one premade.
This is a nuts and bolts how-to class. It is also a deep dive into the possibilities of backstrap weaving.
All of the material is downloadable for you to keep forever.
You may find that you love weaving simple stripes. And if so, I encourage you to stay doing that! Master the rhythm and the mechanics of your loom, play with color. Move on when you are ready!
My methods are a fusion of many traditions. My methods also include techniques that I made up myself. I don’t believe there is only one right way to do anything in weaving. I will show you the system I have developed over the last two decades that reflects the lifestyle I live, the environmental priorities that I have, and the materials that have been available to me. I teach my method as a starting point for my students to build from. I encourage an open point of view in learning so that we all may develop our own tried and true ways of weaving!!
TESTIMONIALS:
“A Loom Made of Sticks has given me a comprehensive foundation to build on, and the excellent materials Kim developed will be great references as I learn. Kim’s a great teacher — knowledgeable, clear, and responsive.”
“The video components were great - I loved the outdoor setting... For my own part, my immediate concern is always technique. So I appreciated that this course stripped away the possible contexts of the weaving and focused more on the mechanics.”
“Kim covers everything between the pdf and the videos...In addition to reading the PDF and getting all of the details, we can actually see her doing it - so there are more ways of learning. She also is accessible and does a video chat regularly. ”