tapestry Weaving for Beginners

Weaving is one of the oldest and most immediate forms of making: the transformation of thread into textile through rhythm, structure, and touch. On this course, we join the celebrated textile artist Blue, who will introduce us to tapestry weaving using table-top hand-looms. With her help we will learn how to create richly textured surfaces and expressive woven pieces.

Working in a small group with your own loom, you will be guided step by step through the process of designing and making a woven textile. Beginning with an introduction to yarns, materials, and essential techniques, you will learn how to set up your loom and begin weaving straight away. From the outset, the emphasis is on making—developing confidence through doing, and discovering how different materials behave in the hand.

As the course progresses, you will explore a range of techniques for building texture and pattern, including variations in density, colour, and surface. You will experiment with different fibres and approaches, learning how to combine them to create depth and visual interest. The loom becomes a space for both structure and freedom: a framework within which you can develop your own creative decisions.

Alongside the practical work, you will gain insight into the long history of weaving and its continuing presence in contemporary art and design, where textile practices have been reimagined as forms of visual and sculptural expression.

By the end of the course, you will have produced a finished tapestry-loom woven piece, and have developed the skills and understanding needed to continue weaving independently if you want to.

This course is open to all. No previous experience of tapestry weaving is required. It is suitable for complete beginners as well as those with some experience of textile work who wish to develop an understanding of tapestry loom-based weaving.

Class recordings

These classes are not recorded.

Imperial certificates

This course has no exams or assessments, so you can focus on enjoying your learning. Regular attendance may also lead to the award of an Imperial attendance certificate. (T&Cs apply).