PRIVATE LESSONS
For all private lessons, you'll have the intsturctor's undivided attention and guidance, which can help accelerate your learning and ensure that you're able to achieve your weaving goals. With a focus on individualized instruction, you'll be able to learn at your own pace and receive feedback that's tailored specifically to your needs
THE CROSSED KNOT STUDIO
$50 / hr
Weaving classes customized to your needs. Private lessons in person at The Crossed Knot weaving studio gives you access to a full range of weaving tools and equipment. This includes everything from 4 and 8 harness floor and table looms to warping equipment, weaving books & drafts, bobbin winders, shuttles, and more. With all of the necessary equipment at your disposal, you'll be able to fully immerse yourself in the weaving process and gain a deeper understanding of the craft. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced weaver looking to expand your skill set, owner and instructor Julia Blake will work with you to create a personalized curriculum that takes into account your interest and skill level. The Crossed Knot is located in Skokie, IL. Our home studio is a 6-minute walk from the Oakton-Skokie Yellow Line stop. Street parking is readily available.
LOCAL HOUSE CALL
$75 / hr
Weaving classes in the comfort of your own home. With the convenience of learning in your own space, you'll be able to get familiar with your own tools and equipment in the environment you are already used to. Whether you're a complete beginner, or an experienced weaver looking to expand your sill set, instructor Julia Blake will work with you to create a personalized curriculum that takes you into account your interest and skill level. During each lesson, you'll receive one-on-one instruction and guidance through each step of the process, offering feedback and tips to help you improve your technique and achieve your weaving goals.
Please note: Private weaving lessons that take place at your home and require a house call that is more than 11 miles away from the instructor's location may incur additional travel expenses in line with the current IRS mileage rate. This will be communicated to you in advance by your instructor so that there are no surprises or misunderstandings.
VIRTUAL
$40 / hr
Weaving classes at the click of a button. For our long-distance weavers, we are excited to offer this convenient and flexible ways to learn new skills - no travel necessary!
During each virtual private lesson, you'll receive one-on-one instruction from instructor Julia Blake via video chat. Julia will work with you to create a personalized curriculum that takes into account your interests, skill level, and learning style. You'll be able to learn and practice in real-time with the guidance of an experienced instructor, and you'll have the opportunity to ask questions and receive feedback on your technique.
Virtual private weaving lessons can be customized to your unique needs and goals, whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced weaver looking to expand your skills. These private lessons also a great option for those who have questions about purchasing weaving tools and equipment, as your instructor can guide you on what decisions will be best for you (The Crossed Knot is not affiliated with any weaving tool/equipment manufacturers).
Virtual lessons can be recorded and reviewed later, which can be a helpful tool for reinforcing what you've learned and practicing on your own.
SUPPORT SERVICES
PLAN MY PROJECT
$100 - per project
Send a list of your materials and your basic set-up (weaving width, number of treadles, reed size, etc.), and what you’d like to end up with. After a short voice or video call, Julia will do all of the hard work, then send you a .wif of your full project along with instructions and notes to make your next project a total success.
DRESS MY LOOM
(FOR IN-STUDIO STUDENTS)
$0.30/end + $10/yard
(see example)
For in-studio students, Julia will wind the warp and dress your assigned loom for you so you can just get to the good stuff (ie weaving).
Pricing is calculated by project size. You need your Total Project Ends (EPI x width in inches), and your Total Project Length (in yards).
Example project: 1 scarf
Total Project Ends (24 EPI x 8" wide): 192
Total Project Length: 2.5 yards
(192 x 0.30) + (10 x 2.5) = $82.60
CLASSES & WORKSHOPS
BOOKWORM PARTY [BOOK LOOM BOOKMARKS]
$30 per person (+ travel expense)
Love to read? Have some friends that do too? Schedule a Bookworm Party and learn to make your very own bookmarks using a book as a loom! This is an "anywhere" activity and can be held at your home, the park, a favorite coffee shop... you get the idea. During this class, you will learn how to turn any book into a loom (don't worry, you won't be ruining your book). This workshop makes for a great holiday book club party activity.
This workshop usually lasts 1-2 hours, but the fun can continue until the yarn runs out!
All materials are included, but please feel free to BYOY (bring your own yarn) if there is something special you would like to use!
3 person minimum
TASTE OF WEAVING: FLOOR LOOM BASICS [WALL HANGING]
$75
If you have ever wondered what weaving on a multi-shaft floor loom is like, this is the class for you. Spend up to 2 hours with a pre-warped loom and get your feet wet (not literally, please)! This class will cover all of the absolute basics of weaving techniques and best practices. You will leave with one (9 x 15 in) wall hanging.
All materials are included, but please feel free to BYOY (bring your own yarn) if there is something special you would like to use!
WEAVING 101: TWILL BASICS [MUG RUGS]
$120
Learn the basics of loom weaving (warp winding, beaming on, reed sleying, heddle threading, etc.). This class focuses on basic twill structures. You will leave with a set of 6 finished Mug Rugs (coasters) to use at home or give as a gift!
Classes are usually 3 hours. All materials are included, but please feel free to BYOY (bring your own yarn) if there is something special you would like to use!
WEAVING 101: TAPESTRY [WALL HANGING]
$120
Learn the basics of loom weaving (warp winding, beaming on, reed sleying, heddle threading, etc.). This class focuses on tapestry techniques. You will leave with one (9x15in) wall hanging.
Classes are usually 3 hours. All materials are included, but please feel free to BYOY (bring your own yarn) if there is something special you would like to use!
WEAVING 102: INTERMEDIATE TWILL [SCARF]
$150
Learn the basics of loom weaving (warp winding, beaming on, reed sleying, heddle threading, etc). This class focuses on plain weave and twill structures. You will leave with one (8x72in) scarf.
Classes are usually 3 hours. All materials are included, but please feel free to BYOY (bring your own yarn) if there is something special you would like to use!
NOMADIC WEAVING: BACKSTRAP TECHNIQUES
$200
From the Himalayan mountains to the Andes, backstrap weaving is one of the oldest forms of loom-assisted weaving, likely because of the simplicity of the looms (usually a pile of sticks) and their portability. This class is a minimalist's dream. Learn an ancient technique using some modern tips and tricks. You'll be on your way to creating beautiful handwovens literally anywhere your journey takes you. Classes are usually 2-3 hours. All materials are included, but please feel free to BYOY (bring your own yarn) if there is something special you would like to use!
The price includes all of the items needed to create your mobile loom.
The Crossed Knot is located in Skokie, IL.
Our home studio is a 6-minute walk from the Oakton-Skokie Yellow Line stop.
PROGRAMS / LECTURES
TEACHING THE BLIND: INCLUSIVITY IN WEAVING
In 2018 Julia started volunteering at a weaving studio for the blind. One year later she was supervising the studio, teaching its 30 blind students, and training new employees, volunteers, and work-study interns. The two questions she get the most: "How do you explain color to someone who has never had sight?" and "How do you even teach someone to weave if they can't see?" The answer to both might surprise you. Julia loves to share about the ins and outs of her time weaving with the blind, and highlight the keys to creating and maintaining an inclusive workspace.
WEAVING MATH
From EPI to calculating shrinkage and loom waste, let Julia walk you through the nuts and bolts of weaving math. Bring your questions along! Weaving math is simple but often confusing. You may know that you SHOULD account for take-up, but do you know WHY or what it even is? After 7 years of project planning and troubleshooting experience, Julia loves empowering weavers by taking the anxiety out of the calculations.
EFFICIENCY IN THE WEAVING WORKSPACE
From the world's laziest weaver comes the disorganized person's guide to setting up your workspace to maximize efficiency. From arranging your weaving room to keeping your tools close, let Julia share her tips, tricks, and tools of the trade that have helped her manage and teach entire studios without needing to backtrack for the scissors.
THE KNOTS YOU NEED
My square knots slip, but my slip knots don’t! When should I be using an overhand knot? What even is a clove hitch? A half hitch? A half knot?! Knotting is an essential part of weaving. We use knots in almost every step of the weaving process. Choose the wrong knot, and you may find yourself wondering why you got into this craft in the first place. Very early on in her teaching career, Julia noticed that knots seemed to make or break a project’s success. Learn the dos and don’ts of knot-making along with some special knots to use for tie ups, texsolv, warping, securing, and finishing items. We’ll learn how we can use knots designed for surgeons, fisherman, and even one for weavers!