Course: Weaving a Patterned Scarf on a Four-shaft Loom with Lenie

Limited to six participants

An introduction to weaving a patterned scarf on a four-shaft loom, suitable for beginners.

Tutor: Lenie Besseling

Lenie started weaving in the Netherlands and has been weaving, spinning and dyeing yarn ever since. Her preference is to weave with finer, natural yarns to create items that can be worn, such as scarves, tops, jackets and hats. Lenie loves the whole process and action of weaving: the colours, techniques and the patterns you can achieve. 

Dates: 8th and 9th August, 2026

 Time: 10am-3pm

 Cost: $300 for non-Guild members or $250 for Guild members

 Venue: Guild rooms, Nicholson Park, Mt Eden (behind Nicholson Park tennis courts).

 In the class:

The class will run over two days. On the first day you will learn how to calculate the yarn needed for the size of the warp; wind the warp and set it up on the loom. Lenie will also talk about the patterns you can use on four-shaft looms. On the second day you will weave your scarf, finish it off and remove it from the loom.

Equipment required: 

Participants who have their own loom, please bring: 

• A four-shaft loom

• A warping board 

• A reed hook

• A heddle threader

• Warp sticks or corrugated cardboard 

Participants who do not have a loom:

Guild looms will be provided for you. Please advise us in your enrolment form if you wish to use a Guild loom for this class.

• All other equipment will be provided

What you need to bring:

• 200g good quality 4ply (or thicker) wool yarn, in at least two colours.

Lenie would like you to make sure you buy strong woollen yarn, suitable for weaving. The type of cheaper yarn sold for knitting in places like Spotlight is often quite stretchy and this would not work for your scarf. Please don't buy yarn thinner than 4 ply as this would take too much time to set up any width. 

Please make sure the yarn is balled and not in a skein. You can ask the yarn store to do this for you at a small extra cost or use a handy chair turned up side down. 

Please note: If you decide to use cotton, you will need to take into account the meterage as you will need more than if you used wool.

• Measuring tape, scissors.

• Pen, notepad or digital device to make notes or video.

• Your lunch. Tea and coffee will be provided.

Course: Foundations of Crochet - Granny Squares

An introduction to crocheting for beginners running over 4 weeks. Maximum 8 participants.

Tutor: Justine Stewart

Justine is mad about all things fibre and craft.  She taught herself to knit when about 8 years old and from there went on to learn about cross stitch, tapestry, tatting, spinning, dyeing and crochet.  Her current passions are knitting, crochet and spinning and she can be found doing something crafty most days of the week.   

Dates: Starting Thursday 20th August and running every Thursday night till the 10th Sept. 

Time: 7pm-9pm

Cost: $195 for non-Guild members and $175 for Guild members

Venue: Guild rooms, Nicholson Park, Mt Eden (behind Nicholson Park tennis courts).

In the class:

The course will run weekly, over 4 weeks. Justine will guide you through the fundamental techniques of crochet, focusing on the traditional granny square. You will also explore alternative granny square patterns and learn techniques for joining as you go.  Granny squares can then be joined and made into the classic blanket but also used to create exciting garments. For inspiration check out this pattern. 

• Week 1: How to hold the crochet hook; how to tension yarn, how to create stitches starting with chain, double and treble stitches.  Start to learn granny squares in multiple colours.

• Week 2: Continue working on granny squares, in one colour and multiple colours.  How to darn in ends.  

• Week 3: Reading a pattern - both written and chart patterns.  Alternative granny square patterns.  

• Week 4: Joining granny squares using two different techniques. Working a single colour granny square, working simple borders. 

Each week we’ll briefly review the previous class and go over any techniques that we’re unsure of.

What you need to bring:

Yarn:  

• 5 mm crochet hook 

• 10 ply weight yarn, in at least two different colours for granny squares 

• A notebook and pen or digital device for making notes.

• Darning needle with a large eye and blunt tip

• Craft scissors

• Locking stitch markers are really handy if you have them or can get some e.g. https://www.spotlightstores.com/nz/art-craft/yarn-needle-art/needle-art-tools-accessories/pony-safety-stitch-markers/80547397