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Learn to weave a finished mug rug in a beginner-friendly class taught by Kendyl Bostic in Arthurdale, West Virginia. Small groups, hands-on looms, and historical context make this an ideal, low-impact craft stop on a West Virginia itinerary.
Learn to weave a finished mug rug in a beginner-friendly class taught by Kendyl Bostic in Arthurdale, West Virginia. Small groups, hands-on looms, and historical context make this an ideal, low-impact craft stop on a West Virginia itinerary.
Book with Arthurdale Heritage, Inc.
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Operated by Arthurdale Heritage, Inc. · Arthurdale, West Virginia
On a bright morning in Arthurdale, West Virginia, the Loom Room behind Center Hall becomes a schoolroom for slow, focused handwork. The Mug Rug Weaving Workshop places a pre-warped loom in front of you and Kendyl Bostic at your side, turning unfamiliar threads into a finished mug rug by the session's end. Held in Arthurdale, United States, this beginner-friendly class teaches the parts of the loom, the plain weave pattern, and finishing techniques in a hands-on rhythm that suits beginners and curious travelers.
This is not a rushed demonstration. With a two-person group size, the workshop offers one-on-one attention as you learn to thread the shuttle, keep an even beat, and trim the edges cleanly. The Loom Room entrance is the big white door located behind Center Hall. Parking is across A Road near the dumpster, which makes arrival simple even if you’re carrying a tote of gear or a travel coffee. Minimum age is 8, so it’s an activity families can share with older children.
Arthurdale’s history deepens the experience. Founded as America’s first New Deal homestead community, the town retains a craftsmanship ethic that fits perfectly with a quiet weaving practice. The workshop’s clean looms and practical instruction reflect that heritage: this is local culture translated into a useful object you’ll bring home. The plain weave you learn is the foundation of countless fabrics, and the mug rug — compact, practical, and quick to complete — is a satisfying first project that doubles as a souvenir.
Why book this when visiting the region? The lesson provides a different rhythm from hiking or driving through West Virginia’s rolling hills; it’s a tactile pause that connects you to regional history and to a maker’s community. It’s also accessible: no prior experience is required, and the slow pace rewards anyone wanting to return home with a handmade keepsake.
Practical notes: arrive a few minutes early to find the Loom Room, bring reading glasses if you need them, and wear comfortable clothes that won’t catch on yarn. If you’re pairing this with outdoor plans, Morgantown is the nearest city for lodging and dining. Whether you’re a traveler seeking a hands-on craft, a family looking for a gentle workshop, or a maker curious about traditional weaving, this class turns a simple loom into a memorable local experience.
Participants should expect a low-impact session that supports local craft skills and keeps materials simple: the pre-warped loom, yarn, and basic tools are provided, while you bring curiosity and hands. The class makes a meaningful gift, teaches repeatable techniques, and can spark continued practice using looms at home. Because the session is brief and intimate it fits into a day of hiking or scenic drives through northern West Virginia.
No. This is a beginner-friendly class that uses pre-warped looms and covers basic plain weave and finishing techniques.
Pre-warped looms, yarn, and basic tools are provided according to the workshop description.
Minimum age is 8; younger children are not listed as eligible in the session details.
Meet at the Loom Room entrance, the big white door located behind Center Hall; parking is across A Road near the dumpster.
Group size is small—listed as two—so expect focused, hands-on instruction with close attention from the instructor.
Pricing and schedule details are not listed in the description; check the booking link or contact the provider for up-to-date information.
Arthurdale Heritage, Inc. preserves and shares the cultural history of Arthurdale, West Virginia through public programs, hands-on workshops, and community events. The organization hosts a range of experiences that connect visitors and residents with Appalachian traditions, including weaving, relief printing, herbalism, creative writing, folk music, and historical lectures. Programs include classroom-style workshops such as Tiny Tapestry: Weaving for Beginners and Mug Rug Weaving, which teach basic loom techniques and let participants take home finished pieces. Art-focused offerings include a Relief Printing Workshop led by Meish Claus and Ekphrastic Writing: A Creative Writing Workshop with Jessie Van Eerden, both designed for practical skill development and artistic exploration. Music and storytelling are central to the calendar with events like Folk Music of the Southern Coalfields featuring Chris Haddox, and an outdoor theatrical performance of Shakespeare’s MACBETH by the Rusted Mechanicals troupe. Educational talks and literary programming further highlight local history and practice. Making History with Christina Fisanick guides researchers and writers in using primary sources for family history and narrative work. Taste of Arthurdale presents historical perspectives on food in Appalachia, led by historian Katharine Donnelly. The Poetics of Gratitude workshop and Herbal Mixer build community through shared creative and practical activities. Arthurdale Heritage, Inc. programs are delivered by named instructors and guest presenters and take place in Arthurdale, West Virginia. The organization focuses on accessible, place-based learning and cultural preservation, offering scheduled workshops and events that invite participation from local communities and visitors alike. Program details and schedules are posted regularly.
Book with Arthurdale Heritage, Inc.