Guatemalan Style Backstrap Weaving——Sign-up to waitlist for new date——

Related Courses/Events: Textile Courses

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Dates: Saturday-Sunday, New Date TBD, 2026, 9:30am-5pm

Registration closes TBD so the instructor can prepare materials.

Description: In this workshop, we will weave in the Guatemalan style of backstrap weaving. This produces a sturdy, warp faced textile which can be embellished with vertical stripes, ikat, warp manipulation, or secondary weft. For those who are familiar with standard loom or rigid heddle weaving, the main difference you will find between those and Guatemalan backstrap weaving is that backstrap weaving uses a continuous warp (it isn’t cut to dress the loom) so that it is possible to create cloth with three or even four selvages (if you are really good!).

Backstrap weaving is a very good lesson for any weaver to learn or review the basics of weaving. It’s also very portable and takes up virtually no space in your studio (my loom fits into a cut off blue jean leg!).

For this two day workshop, you will observe a demonstration of the warping technique, which in some ways is much simpler than with European style looms – there are no eyes to thread!! Participants will begin with a pre-measured warp then continue the warping process with tying it on to the sticks “palos” and making string heddles. By the third day everyone should be well on their way with weaving, and most likely finish their project at home with a borrowed loom.

The project will be a two color cotton panel which can be used as a couch pillow or a hand towel.

Weaving yarn and backstrap looms are provided during class. You will have the option to borrow or buy a loom after class if you need to finish your project or wish to continue weaving on your own.

Workshop Fee: $225

Materials Fee: $45 to be paid directly to the instructor during class.

Optional Loom Purchase: $55