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Spend a focused day at Whitchurch Silk Mill learning to warp and weave on a rigid heddle loom. Led by Coral Newton, this beginner-friendly 5.5-hour workshop delivers hands-on instruction, a finished sampler to take home, and practical notes for your next project.
Spend a focused day at Whitchurch Silk Mill learning to warp and weave on a rigid heddle loom. Led by Coral Newton, this beginner-friendly 5.5-hour workshop delivers hands-on instruction, a finished sampler to take home, and practical notes for your next project.
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Operated by Whitchurch Silk Mill · Whitchurch, England
At Whitchurch Silk Mill in Whitchurch, England, a five-and-a-half-hour Introduction to Weaving on a Rigid Heddle Loom compresses a season's worth of craft knowledge into a single focused day. Led by Coral Newton, an experienced weaver and Hampshire Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers member, the workshop moves students through basic terminology, project planning, warping a rigid heddle loom, and weaving a colorful sampler to take home. The meeting point is Whitchurch Silk Mill; participants must be at least 16 years old.
The class foregrounds three practical elements: warping, tension control, and color play. Beginning with weave structure and yarn selection, Coral explains heddle choice, sett, and how yarn weight affects drape. Warping the loom together is a concentrated, hands-on section where correct spacing and even tension are taught through repeatable techniques. Afternoon weaving focuses on edge control and beat consistency, with time to test contrasting yarns and colors to see how they alter texture and density. By the end you'll leave with a small woven sampler-usable as a mat, zip bag panel, or cushion insert-plus written notes on planning and setting up subsequent projects.
All tools are supplied; you may bring your own rigid heddle loom if preferred. The workshop's pace suits beginners who are patient with detailed instruction and comfortable doing light manual work for several hours. Coral's background in guild teaching gives the session a steady, evidence-based structure: demonstrations followed by supervised practice and troubleshooting.
Why book this experience? For travelers who appreciate tactile learning and local craft, this workshop offers a rare opportunity to handle looms and yarns under an experienced tutor in a compact, single-day format. It's an efficient way to test whether rigid heddle weaving fits your maker profile before committing to a loom at home.
Practical notes: bring comfortable clothing and a willingness to stand at the loom during work periods. Tools and materials are included, but taking your own loom is welcome. The class language is English.
This workshop is a useful bridge between beginner stitching classes and more advanced equipment-focused courses. It emphasizes transferable techniques - warping routines, tension diagnostics, and edge management - that apply to table and floor looms as well as rigid heddle setups. Whether you're a curious traveler, a returning hobbyist, or a guild member expanding your skill set, the Introduction to Weaving on a Rigid Heddle Loom at Whitchurch Silk Mill delivers clear instruction, hands-on practice, and a tangible piece of handmade work to bring home.
Booking is through the provided FareHarbor referral link; check minimum age and meeting details before you go. Expect an intimate class size where one-on-one guidance is part of the value, and plan to leave with both skills and a keepsake and fresh creative inspiration.
No. The course is designed for beginners and covers basic terminology, warping, and starting a sampler.
Yes—all tools will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own loom if you prefer.
Yes. The instructor accommodates personal looms alongside supplied equipment.
Participants must be at least 16 years old.
The session runs approximately 5.5 hours, combining instruction, warping, and weaving time.
The live guide language is English.
Whitchurch Silk Mill is a historic working silk mill in Whitchurch, England, preserving traditional silk weaving and textile craftsmanship. The Mill operates in a genuine Victorian setting and offers public tours, hands‑on workshops, and special events that showcase live looms and conservation projects. Visitors can join guided production tours to see looms in action, take weaving and braiding classes, or learn practical mending skills in darning workshops. The Mill also collaborates with heritage organisations such as the Mills Archive Trust and stages seasonal family trails including holiday and Halloween activities. Educational courses range from single-session experiences — like Weave a Wall Hanging and Beginners Braiding — to multi-day study such as the Two Day Weaving Workshop, all designed for beginners and small groups with expert instruction. Whitchurch Silk Mill celebrates its long history through events like the Loom 10 relaunch and limited-edition silk releases inspired by local historical themes. The site supports craft preservation, offering opportunities to meet expert weavers and discover conservation work firsthand. As a museum and working production site, the Mill balances interpretation with live demonstration, making it suitable for families, craft learners, and history enthusiasts. Booking options include single-visit tickets, annual pass visits, and virtual production tours for remote audiences. Located in Whitchurch, England, the Mill is connected to national heritage networks and archives, contributing to the understanding of Britain’s textile and milling history. Clear visitor information and structured workshops provide accessible pathways for newcomers to learn traditional silk weaving skills. Admission and booking details are available online.
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