CLASSES & WORKSHOPS
SPINNING 101 [Drop Spindle Basics]
$100
Dive into the art of spinning on a drop spindle - the oldest, and most portable method of spinning yarn. From trying out the different styles of drop spindles to learning drafting techniques, this engaging 2-hour session provides hands-on experience, allowing you to create your own hand-spun yarn by the end of the class. All materials, including a handmade drop spindle and fiber, are included. Unleash your creativity and connect with the ancient craft of spinning in this delightful and educational workshop. Once you get started, you'll find it hard to resist taking your spindle everywhere you go!
BOOKWORM PARTY [BOOK LOOM BOOKMARKS]
$30Â 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
$75-150
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 can choose to weave one of the following:
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Wall hanging (approx. 9 x 12 inches) - $75
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Set of 4 mug rugs (coasters) - $75
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Scarf (approx 7 x 72 inches) - $150
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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]
$175
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 4 finished Mug Rugs (coasters) to use at home or give as a gift!
Classes are usually 3-4 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]
$150
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 3-4 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 TWILLÂ [SCARF]
$200
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 3-4 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 students, and training new employees, volunteers, and work-study interns. The two questions she gets the most: "How do you explain color to someone who has never had sight?" and "Can someone who can't see/hear/walk really weave?" The answer to both might surprise you. Julia loves to share about the ins and outs of her time teaching weaving to people of all levels and abilities and highlight the keys to creating and maintaining an inclusive weaving workspace.
BHUTAN: A WOVEN LEGACY
Embark on a journey into the world of Bhutanese weaving. Guided by the curiosity to deepen her connection to her Bhutanese heritage, Julia will unravel the intricate cultural fabric of Bhutan, exploring the significance of weaving, the diverse techniques found in the tiny Himalayan nation, and her personal journey of learning traditional backstrap weaving at the esteemed Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre in the capital city of Thimphu. Immerse yourself in Julia's heartfelt exploration of her Bhutanese roots through this extraordinary craft that weaves together tradition, culture, and artistic expression.
EFFICIENCY IN THEÂ 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 just for weavers!
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 9 years of professional project planning and troubleshooting experience, Julia loves empowering weavers by taking the anxiety out of the calculations.