Introduction to Tapestry Weaving
- the simple way
Note: This is the first course in my brand new online school for students in the EU. A very warm welcome.
These classes now have subtitles available in all languages in my videos.
Welcome to my foundation course. It's perfect for beginners or for those wanting to refresh their skills. There is a lot of information out there and I want to simplify it for you. You might have done previous courses and been overwhelmed by it all. I would like to help you.
We will start with the basics, broken down into bitesize steps, offered in my first course. My weaving terminology will stay nice and simple. The filming of this course is very cosy - with close ups of my small pocket loom. Please note this course does not explore colour blending (yet) but only uses one strand of yarn in your colour choice, to help master your skills before advancing. We will create a lovely piece of work, together, at the end of the course and I have attached lots more sample images to work from. There is plenty of content with 5 hours of filming.
What do I cover?
I cover a lot of essential information to get you started with your own artworks. I do it in a gentle way without any complicated terminology. We will look at:
how to make a simple frame loom
tension
sett
angles - shallow and steep
filling in between shapes
squares/rectangles
curves
meet and separate
hatching
cartoons
and so much more
What follows?
If you like what you learn you can continue to advance with my Artful Threads course, which was filmed over a 9 month period with over 35 hours of video lessons.
My Artful Threads course switches to using multiple fine tapestry yarns - learning all about colour blending as we go. We delve deeper into shape making and practise more techniques in greater detail. I create templates for you to work from. It will be a long term journey to go on together.
I would love you to join me on this exciting new journey.
What equipment will you need for this Beginner's course?
I will use a Mirrix Chloe 8" for filming purposes but you can use the following looms:
wooden frame loom (which I show you how to make very easily)
Mirrix Saffron, 5" or 8" Chloe
The official Mirrix Loom supplier in Europe is Mark, Katrien and team based in Belgium. They are on hand to answer any questions you might have. Click here.
They have a special 10% discount code just for you. Available within the course.
or
any loom that works at 8 ends per inch (there are Mirrix equivalents on Etsy etc)
also:
Tapestry Needles
Warp*
DK/8 ply/Light Worsted yarn
I use Liina Undyed Cotton Warp 18’s (available from Weavers Bazaar in 250g or 500g cones). This can be sent to the EU.
For tapestry, choose a warp that wraps 8 times around 1 cm (not per inch). I explain this fully inside the course.
*EU warp stockists:
There is a Toika stockist in Finland. You need to select the 15's or you can contact them and ask their advice for 8 ends per inch.
click here
There is a Liina stockist in Holland. Again please select the 15's:
click here
I have found a stockist in Portugal. This looks a perfect sett to work with and very reasonably priced:
click here
Mirrix EU do stock Toika warp in Belgium. However it is the Liina 6. This could be doubled to achieved the correct width of warp.
(I will keep adding to this list as I find suppliers.)
NOTE FOR EU STUDENTS:
Why did I need a separate school? Tax legislation is set up differently in the EU. I have to charge tax to students, unlike in the UK.
Curriculum
About Liz
I am a professional artist turned tapestry weaver. I started on this journey as I was no longer feeling passionate about painting. I have always loved sewing and design. When I tried tapestry it was a real 'wow' moment. I could now combine my skills. I really enjoy creating more realistic imagery with my yarns - using my drawing skills and colour blending with multiple strands of fine yarn.
I am based in Bbox Studios in the creative heart of Newcastle Upon Tyne.
My tapestry collection is currently being exhibited at the Biscuit Factory art gallery in Newcastle.
I also run 'in person' workshops from my studio.
