Indirect Warping – In-Person Weaving Class
Prepare Your Warp with Method and Precision
Warping is one of the first steps in a weaving project, and the quality of its preparation directly influences everything that follows on the loom. This hands-on class will teach you how to prepare a warp using the indirect warping method, from preparing the warp to transferring it to the loom.
You will work with the main tools used for indirect warping and learn how to organize your threads, maintain the order of the warp, and keep an even tension so you can prepare your own weaving projects more easily.
Class designed and taught by Catherine Malichecq.
This class is suitable for beginners as well as weavers who would like to review or improve their warping method.
At a Glance
✔ Hands-on class – 5 hours
✔ Suitable for beginners
✔ Indirect warping
✔ Warping frame and warping mill
✔ Measuring and organizing warp threads
✔ Managing colour sequences
✔ Beaming and transferring the warp onto the loom
✔ Maximum of 6 participants
Practical Information
- Next date: October 8, 2026
- Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Duration: 5 hours of instruction, with a one-hour lunch break
- Location: Tisse et File, 571 boulevard Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Mercier (Quebec – Montreal area)
- Level: All levels – beginners welcome
- Instructor: Catherine Malichecq
- Language: French (English translation available upon request)
- Number of participants: Maximum 6
Is This Class Right for You?
This class is for you if you would like to become more independent in preparing your warps and better understand the different steps that take place before weaving begins.
It is particularly suitable if you:
- are new to shaft-loom weaving and would like to learn a structured warping method;
- have already woven but still lack confidence when preparing your warp;
- would like to learn how to use a warping frame or warping mill;
- want to better manage warp length, thread order, and colour changes;
- would like to understand how to keep a warp organized and under control until it is installed on the loom.
From the Warping Mill to the Loom
Indirect warping consists of measuring and organizing the warp threads on a warping device before transferring them to the loom. This method makes it possible to prepare warps of different lengths and widths while maintaining the thread order required for the subsequent steps of dressing the loom.
During the class, we will follow the warp step by step: preparing the threads, making the cross, organizing colour sequences, removing the warp from the warping device, and then beaming it onto the loom.
The goal is not simply to memorize a sequence of steps, but to understand the purpose of each step and how it helps keep the threads organized and the tension even.
By the End of This Class, You Will Be Able To...
- identify the equipment needed for indirect warping;
- use a warping frame and understand how a warping mill works;
- measure a warp to the required length for your project;
- make and properly preserve the cross;
- organize colour sequences while warping;
- remove and handle the warp while maintaining the correct thread order;
- beam the warp onto the loom while maintaining even tension;
- repeat these steps independently for your future projects.
A Hands-On Class
The different steps are introduced progressively through demonstrations and then put into practice, allowing you to understand each technique and ask questions as you work.
We will work with both a warping frame and a warping mill so that you can understand how each one works and recognize the principles they have in common.
All materials required for the class are provided.
Simply Bring...
- something to take notes with;
- comfortable indoor shoes;
- your lunch if you would like to eat on site.
There are also restaurants near the shop for the lunch break.
A Small-Group Class
The class is limited to a maximum of six participants. The small group allows everyone to clearly observe each step, practise the techniques, ask questions, and receive individual guidance throughout the day.
An Approach Focused on Understanding
In her classes, Catherine Malichecq emphasizes understanding techniques and the path of the threads rather than learning a set of steps by rote. Understanding why each step is performed makes it easier to recognize and correct difficulties that may arise when preparing a weaving project.
This approach is reflected in the class through:
- step-by-step demonstrations;
- particular attention to thread organization and tension;
- explanations of the purpose of the cross and the different ties;
- comparison of the warping frame and warping mill;
- small groups that encourage questions and individualized guidance;
- progress toward greater independence in preparing your own warps.
Your Instructor: Catherine Malichecq
Catherine Malichecq is a weaver, instructor, and founder of Tisse et File and Cours Tisse et File. Passionate about textile arts for many years, she has progressively specialized in weaving and in the study and understanding of textile structures.
She has earned the Senior Level of the Guild of Canadian Weavers Master Weaver Program and is currently pursuing the Master Level.
Her teaching is guided by one central idea: understanding what is happening with the threads allows weavers to work more independently and approach new projects with greater confidence.
Continue Your Learning
Mastering indirect warping allows you to prepare the warps required for many weaving projects and shaft-loom classes yourself.
It also provides an important foundation for classes in which the loom must be fully dressed and ready to weave before the class begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need previous weaving experience to take this class?
No. The class is suitable for beginners. It is also appropriate for people who have already woven but would like to review or improve their warp preparation method.
Do I need to bring any equipment?
No. All materials and equipment required for the class are provided. You only need to bring something to take notes with and indoor shoes.
What is the difference between a warping frame and a warping mill?
Both are used to measure and organize the threads required for a warp. Their design and use differ, but the fundamental principles of indirect warping remain the same. Both will be presented during the class.
Will we also learn how to put the warp on the loom?
Yes. The class covers transferring the warp and beaming it onto the loom so that you understand the complete process from warping to preparing the loom.
Registration Conditions
Due to the small number of participants, registration for this class is non-transferable and non-refundable.