In this ‘Off-Loom’ weaving workshop, you’ll explore the art of weaving without a loom—using only a needle, thread, and found objects as your base.

The Workshop

Sarah will guide you through basic woven structures like hopsack and twill, before showing you how to create patterns such as Dogtooth, Zig Zag, and colourful checks.

In this workshop, we’ll pause the focus on functionality and fashion to celebrate the beauty of woven cloth and the structures that create it. Twills, herringbones, dogtooth, and hopsack are typically seen in garments and home furnishings, but here, we’ll explore them as artworks to be displayed and admired, much like a painting or sculpture.

We’ll also take time to learn about the history of these fabrics and discuss the importance of challenging the fast fashion mentality. Although weaving was originally developed for functionality, it has long been a form of artistic expression. In today’s fast-paced fashion culture, textiles are often viewed as disposable—but this workshop will help us reconnect with the skill, patience, and craftsmanship behind every woven piece.

These small woven studies are a fun and accessible way to understand the basics of weaving, without the complexity of a loom. By using just needle and thread, you’ll develop a new skill while re-engaging with the human craftsmanship that goes into making textiles.

Join us for a rewarding experience, discover a new skill, meet like-minded people, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating something beautiful from scratch using yarns discarded from the textile industry.

No prior experience is required—just bring yourself! All materials and equipment will be provided. Lunch is included in the ticket price.

About the Workshop Leader

Sarah Ward is a UK-based hand weaver known for her checks, stripes, and contemporary Ikats as The Aviary Studio and her recent “off-loom” woven pieces as Lark & Bower.

A climate and environmental activist, Sarah uses her weaving to advocate for the art form and raise awareness about textile industry waste and environmental impact.

Since graduating from Central Saint Martins in 2010, she’s worked as a hand weaver, wovens specialist, and silk jacquard designer for a historic weaving mill. For many years, she ran an independent design studio, collaborating with brands to create woven textiles.

During the pandemic, without studio access, Sarah turned to weaving small studies from leftover yarns and simple materials, rediscovering the therapeutic joy of weaving. She now shares her craft and passion for weaving as an art form through various workshops.