Geometric Weaving Original Course

£180 or 2 monthly payments of £95

Geometric Weaving Original Course

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An in-depth guide to weaving geometric tapestry

This course is an in-depth guide to geometric weaving

Here I’m sharing the skills and techniques I have learnt in five years of weaving professionally.

I’ve broken them down into simple, step-by-step instructions for you to follow, taking you through the process of weaving from start to finish.

What Is Geometric Weaving?

Geometric-style tapestry weaving is found in cultures across the world. It's a style of weaving that uses the grid of warp and weft to dictate the designs, which are often elegantly simple and visually balanced. It’s also more difficult than it looks! This style of weaving takes time and care to master. But with patience, attention to detail and the right knowledge- you can do it too.

After four years of teaching weaving workshops, I wanted to create an online resource where I could go into detail

When I teach in-person classes, I don't always have time to offer more than a basic summary of the process! This course is the place where I can cover each technique in depth- with the goal of allowing you to understand exactly what you need to do in order to weave really well.

I want to simplify the noise, show you what you actually need to be focusing on, and help you weave beautiful, well-made tapestries that will stand the test of time.

About The Course

The course takes the form of 6 core modules, with additional bonus modules at the end.

The course runs over six weeks, with a new module being uploaded each week. You’ll receive weekly emails from me talking you through each module, highlighting key points and sharing extra tips and tricks.

Each module includes step-by-step photos with clear and detailed instructions, as well as diagrams and printable PDFs.

You will hone your skills through weaving several practice samples, as well as being able to experiment and develop your own designs.

You can submit your work via email or to the course Facebook group and receive tips, feedback and answers to your questions.

Teaching support is provided via email, comment threads on the course pages, and in the dedicated course Facebook group.

And if you don’t manage to work through everything right away- don’t worry! You’ll also get lifetime access to all course content, including future updates and additions.

Course Breakdown

Module 1 - Looms, Tools & Materials

This module covers the different frame loom and weaving tool options, and how to decide which ones are right for you. It includes an overview of the different yarns and fibres for weaving and their different effects when woven with.

I also share the tools and materials I use in my own weaving every day, all well as a comprehensive list of my stockists and suppliers.

Module 2 - Warping & Starting To Weave

Here we focus on the fundamentals. I’ll talk you through warp, sett and epi, and how to warp different types of frame looms, paying attention to tension and consistency.

Next we’ll work through starting to weave and developing correct weaving technique. You’ll weave several samples to practice your selvedges, warp spacing, and weaving at different setts.

Module 3 - Solid Shapes

This module builds on the previous one to walk you through how to weave solid shapes- blocks, triangles and circles. I’ll take you through the key principles of weaving separate sections of weft, including counting passes, and weaving directions.

Starting with weaving straight vertical lines, we’ll build up to to weaving diagonal slopes and then creating curves.

Module 4 - Lines & Stripes

Here we’ll look at how to use individual picks and passes of weft to create patterns and designs. I’ll take you through how to weave stripes, pick and pick, and hatching.

You’ll learn how hatching techniques can be used to create shapes that are half-solid, half-striped, and how to create the effect of overlapping forms using stripes of different colours.

Module 5- Outlines and Colours

In this module we'll cover more complex techniques involving weaving multiple sections of weft at the same time. You’ll learn about weaving outlines for your solid shapes, repeated patterns, and more intricate designs.

This module will also introduce colour blending and colour transitions, adding extra depth to your tapestries.

Module 6 - Finishing & Display

This module focuses specifically on finishing your weavings and taking them off the loom. I cover different methods of securing the warp, creating fringes, and how to tidy up all the loose ends on the back of your tapestry.

We'll also look at framing, display and the best techniques to hang tapestries to protect their structure and ensure longevity.

Bonus Modules

In the additional bonus modules, I’ll cover how to make your own loom and weaving tools, weaving tapestries on table, floor or rigid heddle looms, and how to create tapestries on a larger scale or for functional use.

FAQs

What skill level is this course suitable for?

This course is designed for a broad audience! In putting this content together I mostly focused on tapestry beginners- those who have never woven before and those with very limited experience. However it’s also suitable for people from different weaving backgrounds- e.g. cloth weaving or fiber sculpture- who would like to try tapestry, or people who have started tapestry and are looking to improve.

What equipment and materials do I need?

You’ll need a loom, weaving tools, warp string and weft yarn. As part of Module 1 we’ll look at what you’ll need and I’ll be sharing a detailed stockists and suppliers list. Feel free to get in touch with me if you need any further info!

I’m not going to be able to start the course at the same time as everyone else. Can I still enrol?

Yes! You have lifetime access to all course content, and you’ll be able to work through the course at your own pace. I’ll be sending weekly emails about the course content for the first 6 weeks and after that you’ll still be able to comment, post in the Facebook group or email me with questions!

How is this course different to your rug weaving class?

This course is much, much more in-depth than my rug weaving class! Although we focus on weaving small samples, I also cover how to scale your tapestries up into rugs or larger pieces.

What will we actually be making on the course?

We'll be making a series of samples to practice the different techniques, and improve your weaving skill. I’ll also be encouraging you to design your own weavings incorporating these techniques. The ultimate goal of the course is not that you weave everything, but that you do weave, you weave really well.

If you have any more questions about this course...

... shoot me an email at info@christabelbalfour.com . I'm always happy to answer any questions you have to make sure this course is the right fit for you.