(123) Designing and Weaving Couture Tweeds

2025-Workshop-Photos - 123_Spady_Tweed_Multi colored sample x

One of the most iconic garments in the history of fashion is the French cardigan-style jacket made famous by Coco Chanel. But, have you ever thought about the fabric used in these jackets? They are so ‘weaverly’ in a variety of ways. Color and texture abound! And Chanel was not the only couture designer to use these amazing fabrics.

Designing and weaving tweeds in the 21st century is also liberating. You can go down a path of weaving with non-traditional materials for that little extra something special, eye-catching, or just plain . . . odd. In this workshop, Robyn will share with you exciting ideas for creating fabrics ready for a Paris runway. You will pre-warp your loom nearly all the way by leaving space here and there for some extra warp ends and finish warping in the workshop. Then unleash your creativity and explore the possibilities. This workshop is perfect for rigid heddle looms and four to eight-shaft looms.

Instructor:

Robyn Spady

Experience Level:

Beginner

Maximum Class Size:

30

Materials fee:

$25 covers workshop notebook (three-ring binder, sheet protectors, supply pocket, etc.); corner insulators (to manage added warp yarns); use of novelty yarns, threads, etc.; use of tools (e.g., Daruma Yarn Twister, etc.)

Equipment required

4-shaft Loom, 8-shaft Loom, Pre-warped, Rigid Heddle Loom

Student Supplies:

  • Pre-warped loom
  • Scissors
  • T-pins
  • Shuttles with bobbins (minimum two recommended)
  • Novelty yarns (optional)

Homework:

Pre-warp your loom with a handful of empty heddles and dents.