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.
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.
Registration Information - Summer 2023
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.
Registration - Friends
Registration is closed. To become a Friend, view benefit levels or sign-up to receive notification.
Opens April 11
8:00am
Registration - Community
Registration is closed. Fill out the sign-up form to recieve notification when registration opens.
Opens April 18
8:00am
Fiber & Weaving Classes - Spring 2023
Course Description
This intensive two-day class will lead students step-by-step through traditional flat tapestry weaving techniques. Tapestry is the most basic of weave structures; it offers the artist a wide range of visual possibilities. Students will learn how to prepare a warp and weave simple shapes. The class is designed for both beginners and those with experience wishing to refresh their skills. Looms and materials will be provided; please bring a lunch both days.
Instructor
Liza Collins
Dates
Sat & Sun, Apr 1 & 2 | 10:00am – 4:00pm
Location
Urschel Lounge | Urschel Building
Sessions
2
Tuition - Regular
$200
Tuition - Friends
$185
Fiber & Weaving Classes - Summer 2023
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. A supply list will be provided at the first session. Note: This class is a prerequisite to 2002 On-Loom Weaving Studio Projects.
Instructor
Nancy Heneghan
Dates
- Section A: Mon, Jun 5 - Aug 7 | 6:00 - 9:00pm
- Section B: Wed, Jun 7 – Aug 9 | 9:30am – 12:30pm
Location
Maxham Fiber Studio, 2nd Floor, Rm. 285 | Tobin Building
Sessions
10
Tuition - Regular
$290
Tuition - Friends
$275
Course Description
Learn nine basic stitches that are the foundation of embroidery and take home a visually pleasing, hangable embroidery sample! These stitches will set you up to begin embroidery as well as conquer more advanced stitches and embroidery techniques. Included in the workshop is a full take home beginner kit (Hoop, scissors, thread, needle, heat erasing pen, sample of fabric stabilizer and transfer paper) along with an embroidery tips and tricks handout for reference. Class discussion will include how to choose which fabrics to embroider on, preparing a hoop, threading a needle, various ways to transfer your embroidery designs, how to embroider on clothing and how to protect your work.
Instructor
Lauren Gonzalez
Dates
Sat & Sun Jun 10 & 11 | 10:00am – 1:00pm
Location
Gen Ed Classroom, Second Floor | Santikos Building
Sessions
2
Tuition - Regular
$130
Tuition - Friends
$115
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 three-week use of the dye lab.
Prior to registering, students must contact, casey.galloway@utsa.edu, by Nov 26; if approved, students will be contacted by e-mail on or before Nov 28 and must register by Jan 9. The instructor reserves the right to restrict enrollment.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Weaving or equivalent experience.
Instructor
Casey Galloway
Dates
- Section A: Mon, Jun 5 - Aug 7 | 6:00 - 9:00pm
- Section B: Tue, Jun 6 – Aug 8 (No class Jul 4) | 10:00am – 1:00pm
- Section C: Wed, Jun 7 – Aug 9 | 6:00 – 9:00pm
- Section D: Thu, Jun 8 – Aug 10 | 10:00am – 1:00pm
Location
Maxham Fiber Studio, 1st & 2nd Floor | Tobin Building
Sessions - Sections A, C & D
10
Tuition - Regular
$290
Tuition - Friends
$275
Sessions - Section B
9
Tuition - Regular
$275
Tuition - Friends
$260
Course Description
Discover the history, tradition, and craft of handmade brooms. This one-day workshop will focus on broom making materials, tools, and a variety of traditional tying and weaving techniques. Students will leave the class with at least one hand broom of their own making, and a strong foundational knowledge to continue practicing the craft at home. All skill levels welcome; however moderate hand and body strength is needed. Includes most materials; see website for a list of supplies and please bring a bag lunch.
Instructor
Casandra Cutter
Dates
Sat, Jun 24 | 9:00am – 3:00pm
Location
Droste Design Studio | Santikos Building
Sessions
1
Tuition - Regular
$145
Tuition - Friends
$130
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.
Instructor
Liza Collins
Dates
Sat & Sun, Jul 22 & 23 | 10:00am - 4:00pm
Location
Droste Design Studio | Santikos Building
Sessions
2
Tuition - Regular
$180
Tuition - Friends
$165
Course Description
Indigo is considered “The Blue Gold” of natural dyes. Fermented indigo has been used as a dye for thousands of years. In this workshop, we will create an indigo vat using pre-reduced indigo, a much less time intensive process. We will fold, twist, roll, gather, tie, scrunch or bind the fabric. The fabric will be immersed in the indigo vat, once removed the fabric turns from green to blue. Unbinding the fabrics will reveal truly unique patterns and compositions. Please see the website for a list of items to bring to class.
Instructor
Jean Dahlgren
Dates
Sat, Aug 5 | 10:00am - 4:00pm
Location
Droste Design Studio | Santikos Building
Sessions
1
Tuition - Regular
$135
Tuition - Friends
$120
Course Description
Explore the rich and vibrant world of natural dyes! Participants will learn to mix and paint with invisible mordants such as iron and alum to attain multiple colors on cloth in one dye bath! Create designs on fabric with painting, stamping, and stenciling on cotton fabric using a range of thickened mordants. Then we will prepare dyes, including cutch, marigold, and cochineal. Day two we will experience the magic of our painted textiles! Bring your curious and experimental self and leave with a foundation of dyeing skills and three (24 x 24-inch) organic cotton bandanas. Students may bring clean, small, and light natural cloth (cotton, silk, linen) from home for use in the class dye bathes with this instructor’s approval. Please see the website for a list of materials, and plan to pack a lunch or eat nearby.
Instructor
Sarita Westrup
Dates
Sat & Sun, Jul 15 & 16 | 10:00am - 4:00pm
Location
Droste Design Studio | Santikos Building
Sessions
2
Tuition - Regular
$275
Tuition - Friends
$260
© 2022 The University of Texas at San Antonio | One UTSA Circle San Antonio, TX 78249 | Privacy Statement