This is a beginners’ course, and is designed to give students an understanding of what can be achieved using a multi-shaft loom, and leave with enough knowledge to continue weaving on your own. 

Taught in small groups of up to four people, and using four and eight shaft table looms, students will have an opportunity to explore pattern, colour and texture using various looms, each one set up differently, so that a wide variety of patterns can be replicated and techniques can be explored.

As well as sampling, students will also learn about weaving notation, and at least one of the large floor looms will be available for students to try.  Across the four days, when to at their looms, the class will make a warp and dress a loom read for weaving. 

This is a four-day course that takes place over two full weekends (Saturday and Sunday 10am - 5pm with an hour's break for lunch).

4-Day Beginner’s Weaving Course / Introduction to Multi-shaft Weaving

Sibylle Moulin

It has been a privilege to meet Alan, hear about his interests and work and to  weave in his studio. 
Alan is extremely friendly, knowledgeable and gives all  necessary instructions for  students to acquire a basic understanding and practice of weaving on 4-8 shaft looms. I strongly recommend this course which is suitable for complete beginners or as a refresher ; it has certainly given me the confidence and  motivation of exploring further  this wonderful craft/art.

Joanna Hill

I spent 4 really interesting and inspiring days with Alan in his studio. 
Day 1: experimenting with different yarns, weaves and colour on 2 different looms, a 4 shaft and 8 shaft table loom
Day 2: preparing the warp, learning how to plan a project, calculate the yarn, winding and tying off the warp on a warping board. More time experimenting with different weaves and twills
Day 3: setting up a modern 8 shaft loom - putting on and spreading the warp, threading the heddles and sleying the reed. More weaving
Day 4: weaving on the set up loom, working on a sampler and experimenting with waffle weaves
Plenty of time to chat, get to grips with different tools and experience the process.  Alan is generous with his knowledge, support and biscuits.
In 1860 six of my great grandmother’s family worked in the Lancashire cotton mills.  I’ve  just bought a second hand loom on eBay and I’m all set to start my weaving journey.  

Gemma Lawson

The four day beginner's workshop was a great introduction into multi-shaft hand weaving. The class was small (only two students) resulting in dedicated time for discussion, questions, weaving, setting up the loom, spinning, yarns and fibres and more. As a novice weaver, I would recommend this course as a great place to start!

This is a beginners’ course, and is designed to give students an understanding of what can be achieved using a multi-shaft loom, and leave with enough knowle...

Beginner's Weaving Class / Introduction to Multi-Shaft Weaving

Ijeoma Ugo

I truly enjoyed this weekend course, it was so informative and inspirational. Alan is a walking Encyclopaedia in weaving. I can’t wait for the next course.

Boris

I took part in the 2 day weaving class that Alan offered and what a great weekend it was! Alan is an excellent teacher, and his course is structured to give you a solid introduction to the art of weaving. Even if you are a total beginner, like I was, rest assured you will be patiently guided through the whole process and provided with easy-to-follow instructions and hand-outs. The course is small, so the tuition is as personal as it can get. You will have access to a wide variety of yarns and will be able to experiment with those on both 4- and 8-shaft looms. Alan also demonstrates how to set up a loom and make a warp, explains how to read a weaving draft and offers recommendations on choosing specialist literature and all the necessary equipment should you wish to continue with your new skills. All the samples you produce are yours to take home at the end of the course. Alan’s studio is conveniently located a few minutes away from several tube stations, and you will be offered tea and biscuits throughout the day!

Introduction to Multi-Shaft Weaving

Emilie Butler

Fantastic 2 day weaving workshop.
This is the perfect course if you want to get into weaving or just have a go. 
Alan is a great teacher, he explains everything very well and has plenty of handouts to make notes as well as being very patient. I had done a weaving workshop before but found it very complicated. Alan’s course really helped explain it to me and at the end of the course I felt very confident to be able to get my own loom and start weaving at home.
 A small class of three is the perfect size to have one on one tuition as well as being able to share the experience. You will get to try 4 and 8 shaft looms and experiment with different patterns and techniques as well as learning how to warp a loom. 
Alan also provided a great list of reading material and information on were to buy yarn, types of yarn and even advice on buying a loom.
The workshop is also in a great location, right near Waterloo. 
I highly recommend the course as it was also great to see Alan’s beautiful rugs and see him weaving his own work too! 

Teresa Brown 

 went on the 2 day course with  2 others.  There were 2 different sorts of table loom, very different warps and a wide variety of yarns  which led to surprisingly different results from our very first attempts onwards. Alan's teaching was clear and engaging, and he provided detailed written information on methods and techniques to back up what we practised. We also were shown how to make a warp on a warping board and had a small go at getting a warp onto a loom. Entertaining and inspiring!

Introduction to multi-shaft weaving

Lami Buckley 

We learnt how to use 4/8 shaft table loom, read and follow draft patterns, warp the loom and lots more.
Alan was a brilliant teacher. He provided the perfect balance of information/technical stuff with lots of fun, freestyle weaving. He encouraged everyone to experiment and do their own thing. He is very friendly and approachable and the atmosphere in the class was always focused but relaxed. The small class size was great as it gave each of us plenty of time to practice on the different looms and we had lots of individual attention if needed.  I really enjoyed the course and I learned a lot in the relatively short time. After the course I was able to warp my loom myself and begin weaving at home!

I am a weaver, specialising in the production of hand-dyed and hand-woven rugs, all made in my Central London Studio.

My work has been featured in Elle Decoration and the London Evening Standard, and I have had pieces displayed at major UK galleries, including the Barbican and the Ruthin Craft Centre.

When I'm not weaving I spend my time teaching.  The classes I teach range from those suitable for people with little or no experience, to lessons in rug weaving for students who already have a basic understanding of weaving. 

All of my classes are taught at my studio, close to Waterloo station.

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