Fibers and Weaving

The imagination can be freed working with textiles, where fiber art techniques such as shibori, batik, silk-painting, or block-printing can be adapted from global traditions, cultural symbolism, or the human imperative for mark-making.

Located on the two floors of the Priest's House on the Ursuline Campus, our 50 floor looms are considered to be the largest teaching collection in the U.S., and are enjoyed by an active community of adult student weavers.

Materials List

Classes not listed here will either have required materials in the class description, discuss needed materials during the first class, or the materials will be supplied.

Class details (meeting times, tuition, etc.) are listed below.

View Materials List

Tuition Assistance

A limited number of scholarships for tuition assistance are available for classes in the Fibers Department. Adults interested in studying fibers may apply for tuition assistance by submitting the application form and contacting Casey Galloway, casey.galloway@utsa.edu.

Fibers and Weaving Class Notes

Studio Practices: Limited open studio time for students enrolled in weaving classes will be determined at the beginning of each term; dates and times will be discussed in class and posted for students. For fiber related workshop classes, studio use is only permitted during the time of the workshop dates.

Registration Information

Classes are open-enrollment to the community. Class registration is a simple process. Read 'How to Register' below to get started. Click here to view all registration policies and guidelines, including information on payments, class withdraws and cancellations, refunds, and more.


  • Click the 'Register Now' button below to begin the registration process.
  • Click onto 'Sign In' at the top right side of the page.
  • To sign in, enter your user name and password. If you do not have an account, you can create one quickly by specifying a user name, password, and email address.
  • Navigate to your desired course. Click the 'Add to Cart' button associated with the course.
  • After completing the registration process and remitting payment, you will receive an email containing your registration confirmation.

Class Catalog  Frequently Asked Questions

Registration - Friends

Registration is closed. To become a Friend, view benefit levels or sign-up to receive notification.

Opens April 2

9:00am

Registration - Community

Registration is closed. Fill out the sign-up form to recieve notification when registration opens.

Opens April 9

9:00am

Fiber & Weaving Classes - Summer 2024


Course Description

Learn the fundamentals of weaving on a four-shaft loom. This foundation class focuses on loom set up, understanding basic weave patterns (plain weave and twill variations), double weave construction and material considerations. Creating sound structure and developing good weaving habits will be emphasized. Reading drafts will also be covered. Each student will have the exclusive use of a floor loom for the semester. NOTE: This class requires the ability to stay focused with good coordination and hand dexterity. Materials and supplies will be provided in the tuition fee; optional materials will be discussed in class. NOTE: This class is a prerequisite to 2002 On-Loom Weaving Studio Projects.


Course Description

As objects made for human interaction and handling, both containing and bounded by space, vessels can take many forms and be constructed of a wide variety of materials. This mixed-media fiber art workshop incorporates components such as gauze and plaster bandages, cheesecloth, hydrosoluable fiber along with mulberry paper, walnut ink, wire, and found objects. Participants will create at least one mixed-media vessel that can be displayed on a flat or wall surface. It may begin with layers of plaster gauze and acrylic-reinforced cheesecloth with additions of other fibers, paper, patches, and stitches. You can create patterns, textures, and relief work by strategically combining layers. Includes some materials; see the website for a list of items to bring to class; please bring a lunch both days.


Course Description

This program is designed for intermediate and advanced student-artists who wish to pursue their own direction in weaving. Acquiring new structural and manual skills and exploring new materials will be emphasized. Individual planning sessions along with some group instruction will allow students to proceed at their own pace. Each weaver will have exclusive use of one of the Fibers Department’s large collection of floor looms and use of the dye lab. Prior to registering: Students must contact the Fibers Department, casey.galloway@utsa.edu, by Apr 2; and if approved, students will be contacted by e-mail on or before Apr. 2 and must register by May 6. The instructor reserves the right to restrict enrollment. Prerequisite: Introduction to Weaving or equivalent experience.


Course Description

Feltmaking is widely considered to be one of the oldest and simplest processes for creating fabric and textile forms. Applications can be functional or decorative, even conceptual with infinite creative possibilities from hangings, garments, jewelry, and more. It is a wondrously versatile fabric as it can be made as light and fragile as a piece of lace or strong and durable enough to make into a dwelling. The technique is quick and easy to grasp. Through the simple layering of wool fiber, a little soapy water and a generous amount of friction, magic happens! This class will cover all aspects of wet feltmaking techniques, including both flat felted fabrics and simple three-dimensional forms. Includes most materials; see website for a list of supplies; please bring a bag lunch.


Course Description

Discover the history, tradition, and craft of handmade brooms. This workshop will focus on broom making materials, tools, and a variety of techniques, including full-sized sweeping brooms, whisks, cobwebbers, and more as time allows. Students will come away from this workshop prepared with a strong foundational knowledge to continue practicing the craft at home—not to mention their own array of ready to use brooms tied in class! NOTE: This is a very physical craft, and moderate hand and body strength is needed. All materials will be provided by instructor; please bring a lunch both days.


Course Description

Explore the world of handmade brushes in this two-day workshop. We will use a combination of hand and power tools to craft brushes with varying uses—from cleaning your workbench, dusting shelves, decorating ceramics, painting, and much more. We will work with a variety of plant and animal fibers, discuss their uses, and learn multiple methods of solidly constructing brushes. The workshop will be focused on learning the fundamentals, while encouraging students to think creatively. All materials will be provided by instructor; please bring a lunch both days.

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