You can weave.
Now, learn how to design.
With in-depth classes, live instructors, and a welcoming weaving community.
You know how to weave. You can warp your loom, read a draft, and finish a project.
But designing your own work? That’s different.
Maybe you’ve tried. You’ve changed colors, adjusted a pattern. But when you step back and look at the finished piece, something’s missing. It doesn’t quite feel like yours.
Or maybe you follow other people’s patterns because you’re not sure where to start. You worry that if you try something original, it won’t turn out the way you imagine.
Here’s what we’ve learned after teaching hundreds of weavers:
Design isn’t a talent you’re born with. It’s a skill you learn.
And most weavers never get the chance to learn it – because weaving classes focus on technique, not design thinking.
They teach you how to weave. They don’t teach you how to see what’s possible in a threading. How to make color work for you instead of against you.
How to turn an idea in your head into cloth you’re proud to show the world.
That’s what the Handweaving Academy does.
We teach the design skills that help you move from following patterns to creating your own – through clear instruction, practical tools, and a community that shows up when you’re stuck.
This is your chance to start creating work that makes you proud to say: “I designed this myself.”
You're Not Alone In This
Maybe you’re wondering: Does this actually work for someone like me?
Meet Dayamitra.
She’d been weaving for eight years, but when someone asked what she did, she would downplay it: “Oh, I do a little weaving.”
When she tried to design her own work, she felt uncertain. She could follow patterns beautifully. Creating something original? That felt out of reach.
Before
Despite weaving for eight years, Dayamitra struggled with some of the basics. When she tried to design her own work, she felt timid.
When people asked her what she did, she would almost apologize: “Oh, I do a little bit of weaving.”
What changed
Then, Dayamitra joined the Academy.
She learned how to choose colors that work together, understand how different weave structures behave, and trust her own creative instincts.
She began making design decisions with confidence.
After
Today, Dayamitra doesn’t say “I do a little weaving” any more.
She says, with quiet confidence: “I’m a weaver.”
And she designs projects that are uniquely, beautifully hers.
“It’s like night and day. There’s no comparison.
I feel so much more confident now.”
– Dayamitra Blenman
What's Missing From Most Online Classes
(And Why It Matters)
Maybe you’ve taken video-based weaving classes before.
Video-only classes are convenient and affordable. And if you want to follow a beautiful project step-by-step, they work.
But here’s what happens when the video ends:
You sit down at your loom. You want to design something original – not weave someone else’s draft, but create your own.
And you’re not sure where to start.
You can rewind the video. You can pause it.
But the video can’t answer your questions:
- “Why did she choose this tie-up instead of that one?”
- “What if I want to use different colors?”
- “How do I know if this draft will actually work?”
The video doesn’t know. And there’s no one to ask.
You’re left wondering.
? ? ?
Here’s what video classes do: teach you to replicate. Follow this threading. Use these colors. Weave this project.
And when it’s over? You’ve learned to copy – but not to create.
That’s not a flaw in the class. It’s just a limitation of the format.
What’s missing isn’t more videos. It’s support.
- Someone who can see your draft and tell you what to adjust - before you spend hours weaving it
- A way to visualize your design before you warp - so you're working with confidence, not guesswork
- A community of weavers solving the same challenges you are - so you're never stuck alone with a problem
- Live guidance from experienced designers - who can help you learn to think like a designer, not just follow like a student
Learn from teachers who respond
Not videos you watch alone.
Not patterns you follow in silence.
A complete learning environment where you’re supported, equipped, and surrounded by people who understand exactly what you’re trying to do.
Only $149 for your first year (regularly $199)
What You'll Find Inside the Academy
Classes that meet you where you are
Inside the Academy, you’ll find more than 50 classes on color, structure, and design.
If you want guidance, we’ll give you a recommended learning path. If you prefer to explore on your own, the classes are organized so you can follow your curiosity – they’re cross-referenced so you’ll never feel lost.
Every class is available in multiple formats: written lessons, video demonstrations, and hands-on exercises – because different people learn in different ways.
“After about one day, I’d learned more than I had from anyone else ever.
The Academy helps you unlock the creativity that’s in you.”
– Bea Huff Hunter
Live support when you're stuck
In most online classes, when you hit a roadblock, you’re on your own.
At the Academy, that doesn’t happen.
Every month, we host:
- Live Q&A sessions where you can ask questions and get expert answers
- Design demonstrations where you watch instructors work through real challenges
- Peer support meetings where you connect with fellow weavers
- “Live at the Loom” sessions where you see us weave and problem-solve in real time
If you can’t make it live, every session is recorded. And if you have a question at any time, you can post it in our forums and get thoughtful answers from both instructors and experienced weavers.
This is the support that keeps you moving forward – so you’re never stuck alone.
“You’re not left on your own to struggle through something.
You don’t feel like you’re on your own. You have the support and backup of everybody else.
That’s what you don’t get in other schools.”
– Dayamitra Blenman
Tools that save hours of guesswork
We’ve built simple, approachable design tools that help you design without overwhelming you:
Draft Editor: Design your own drafts, visualize them in colors, and see how they will look when woven
Twill Generator: Create original twill designs with just a few clicks
Project Calculators: Calculate yarn amounts, sett, and everything else you need – no more guesswork, no more waste
Weaver’s Toolbox: Quick, practical solutions to common weaving challenges
These tools save you hours and let you experiment with confidence – without needing to become a software expert.
“I love the included tools because they reduce errors and speed up the time to get to the loom.”
– Amber
A community that gets it
Weaving can feel lonely, especially if you don’t have a local guild or if your guild doesn’t quite understand what you’re trying to do creatively.
At the Academy, you’re surrounded by weavers who understand. They celebrate your wins, offer advice when you’re stuck, and encourage you when you’re trying something new.
This isn’t just a school – it’s a global village of people who want to see you succeed.
“Finally, a safe place to learn and discuss weaving.
I look at the Academy as my weaving guild. Ask any question, someone will have an answer.
I learn so much from the other members.”
– Beth
$199 $149
for your first year
Who's teaching you?
Janet Dawson has spent two decades teaching thousands of weavers to design their own drafts, plan their projects, and weave beautiful cloth—without following someone else’s pattern.
Janet specializes in weave structure and technique, but what her students love most? She answers your questions until you actually understand.
Tien Chiu is a master of color in weaving. She’s spent over 10 years studying how color works in woven cloth. Her designs have been exhibited in museums and featured on the cover of Handwoven.
Tien doesn’t just show you what works. She shows you why—so you can make your own color choices with confidence.
Here’s what makes them different.
They don’t just teach technique. They teach design thinking.
How to see what’s possible in a threading. How to make color work for you.
How to turn an idea in your head into cloth that makes people stop and ask, “How did you do that?”
And they don’t disappear after you watch a video.
They show up—answering your questions in the forums, leading live events, giving you feedback on your work.
“You’re a lot more generous with your time than I expected.
I’m always amazed by how thoughtful your responses are.
You seem like you’re genuinely invested in your students’ growth.“
– Bea Huff Hunter
Is the Handweaving Academy right for you?
The Academy is designed for weavers who are ready to move beyond following patterns and start designing their own work. But you don’t need to be an expert to benefit.
The Academy is perfect if you:
- Can warp a loom and finish a project on your own
- Want to move beyond following patterns and start creating your own designs
- Feel frustrated when projects don't turn out the way you envisioned
- Want expert support and a community of weavers who understand
- Are curious about design but don't know where to start
You don’t need:
- Years of weaving experience
- Expensive equipment or a fancy loom
- A degree in art or design
- To be a "natural" designer
- To know how to use complicated software
If you can weave, you can learn to design.
We’ll show you how, with support every step of the way.
What You Get (And What It Costs)
Here’s everything included in your membership:
- An entire year of unlimited access to more than 50 classes on color, design, and weave structure
- Monthly live events with expert instructors (all recorded)
- Powerful design tools that save you hours of work
- A supportive community available whenever you need help
- Expert guidance for as long as you're a member
Only $199
$149
for your first year
Save $50 during our Third Anniversary celebration
Don't wait! Offer expires November 22.
Try the Academy Completely Risk-Free
We’re confident the Academy will help you grow as a designer, but we don’t expect you to take our word for it.
Join today and explore everything for 14 days.
Take a class, use the tools, post a question, join a live event.
If it’s not what you hoped, just let us know within 14 days and we’ll refund every penny – no questions asked, no hard feelings.
Our Anniversary Celebration Ends November 22nd
After November 22nd, the $149 price will return to $199 – and we won’t offer this savings for another year (if ever).
So here’s the question: Where do you want to be one year from now?
Still following other people’s patterns, wishing you could design your own work?
Or designing projects you never thought you could create – working with confidence, supported by a community that understands you?
What you get when you join today
- More than 50 classes on color, design, and weave structure
- Live events every month (all recorded)
- Design tools that save you hours
- 24/7 community support
- 14-day money-back guarantee
Your first year for $149 –
Save $50 off the regular price!
This offer ends November 22nd, 2025
FAQ
Q: I'm not ready yet. I need to get better at weaving first.
If you can warp a loom and finish a project, you’re ready. The Academy meets you wherever you are.
Dayamitra joined as a relative beginner, feeling uncertain. The classes guided her step by step, and the community supported her when she felt stuck. Today, she designs work she never imagined she could create.
The best time to join is often before you feel completely ready – because that’s when you need the support most.
Q: I don't have time for another commitment.
There are no deadlines, no required assignments, and no way to fall behind.
If you want to dive into three classes in a weekend, you can. If life gets busy and you need to step away for a month, your access doesn’t expire.
You move at your own pace. The Academy adapts to your life – not the other way around.
And here’s the other thing: you’re already spending time on weaving. The Academy just makes that time more productive, because instead of guessing or getting stuck, you’ll get clear answers and supportive feedback.
Q: What if it doesn't work for me?
You’re protected by a 14-day money-back guarantee. Try the Academy risk-free. Explore the classes, post a question, join a live event, use the tools.
If it’s not right for you, just let us know within 14 days and we’ll refund every penny – no questions asked.
Q: What equipment do I need?
If you can warp a loom and finish a project, you already have everything you need.
Our members use all kinds of looms: floor looms, rigid heddle looms, table looms, even inkle looms.
You don’t need expensive equipment or complicated software. The Academy works with whatever you already have.
Q: I live far from other weavers. Will I still benefit?
Absolutely. Some of our most active members live in remote areas. Beth, who lives in Wyoming, told us: “I know no other weaver.”
The Academy connects you with weavers from around the world through forums, live events, and peer support meetings.
Many members have told us the Academy has become their online guild – a place where they feel understood, supported, and connected.
Q: What does it cost? Can I cancel anytime?
During our Third Anniversary sale, your first year is $149 (refundable for the first 14 days).
After your first year, your membership renews annually at $199.
You can cancel anytime before your renewal date – no penalties, no hassle. We’ll send you several reminders before your renewal, so you’ll never be surprised.
Three years ago, we launched the Academy with a simple belief:
Design isn’t a talent – it’s a skill you can learn.
Since then, we’ve watched hundreds of weavers prove that belief true.
Weavers who didn’t think they were “creative enough.” Weavers who’d been following patterns for decades. Weavers who thought design was for “other people.”
The difference between a weaver who designs and a weaver who doesn’t isn’t talent. It’s support.
We’ve built that support. It’s here. It’s waiting.
Join us today. Save $50. Try it risk-free for 14 days.
And one year from now, when someone asks what you do, you’ll say – with quiet confidence –
“I’m a weaver. And I design my own work.”
Happy weaving,
Founders, Handweaving Academy
P.S. – Dayamitra spent eight years weaving before she joined. Eight years saying “I do a little weaving.”
Today she says “I’m a weaver” – and she designs work that’s completely, proudly hers.