Weaving
The London Guild has a group for those with a special interest in loom weaving, and this covers a wide range of equipment, materials, techniques and woven outcomes. This includes rigid heddle and inkle weaving at one end of the scale to complex multi-shaft weaving.
All Guild members with a particular interest in loom weaving can join the Weave Interest Group (as well as any other of the special interest groups) as part of the membership package.
There is a wide range of experience within the group, ranging from complete beginners to those who teach weaving or have many years of practical experience. All are very welcome and there is a very collaborative approach within the group. Although we do not run formal courses, we are always keen to share our knowledge and sampling results, share resources, and encourage those who are new to weaving.
We meet either in person at the Burridge Gardens Community Centre Off Danvers Avenue SW11 1AR on Saturday mornings at 11:00 am prior to some of the afternoon meetings of the main Guild (see programme) or, in months when there is no in-person meeting, on Zoom. The Zoom meetings are normally held on the third Saturday of the month at 2:00 pm. A recording of the meeting is made available to members for about a month afterwards for the benefit of those who were unable to attend.
See what's on →Learning Resources
Handweavers Studio offers introductory weaving courses several times each year as well as some regular weekly weaving classes. There are occasional specialist weaving courses.
Weavers Unlimited is a regular weekly independent weaving class held in Battersea, near Clapham Junction.
The Association of Guilds of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers organises a summer school every two years and one or more of the courses will be for aspects of weaving.
Complex Weavers is an international membership organisation with many specialist study groups and which organises a conference every two years.
Chesham Weavers is a weaving group with tutor comprising weavers of all levels of experience.
Charlotte Grierson is an independent teacher based in Deptford offering a programme of weaving workshops to develop your skills and knowledge.
Ali Holloway, an enthusiastic and experienced weaver based in Hackney offers one to one classes for all, from complete beginners to those with more experience. All classes are tailored to the students individual need and interests.
Recommended Books and magazines
‘Learning to Weave’ by Deborah Chandler is a good starting point for loom weaving: Interweave Press 2009, ISBN 978-1596681392
The Guild library holds many other good books, often now out of print, that members can browse and borrow. Out of print books are often offered at very high prices online, but can sometimes be bought at an affordable price through groups such as ‘UK Classifieds’ or ‘UK Weavers’ on Ravelry.
The Journal for Weavers, Spinners and Dyers – published quarterly by the Association of Guilds. Guild members can subscribe at a discounted rate.
Complex Weavers Journal, part of the Complex Weavers membership package – published three times a year.
Members of the Weave Interest Group are always happy to recommend specialist books or resources if you have an interest in a specific technique.
