Double Weave – In-Person Intermediate Weaving Class
Understand double weave, thread by thread
How can a single warp be used to weave two separate layers, a tube or even a semi-circular form? This one-day workshop explores double weave on a 4-shaft loom by looking closely at what actually happens to the threads as the different layers are formed, separated and joined.
The goal is not to follow a recipe or reproduce a specific project. Through a series of exercises and samples, you will learn to understand the logic behind different double-weave constructions so that you can later apply these principles to your own projects.
Designed and taught by Catherine Malichecq.
This intermediate-level workshop is intended for weavers who already have experience weaving on a shaft loom.
This workshop is offered periodically at Tisse et File. No new date is currently scheduled.
At a glance
✔ One-day intermediate workshop – 7 hours
✔ Designed and taught by Catherine Malichecq
✔ Double weave on a 4-shaft loom
✔ Two separate layers, tubular and semi-circular weaving
✔ Series of exercises and samples
✔ Understand the construction rather than follow a recipe
✔ Two options for loom preparation
✔ Maximum of 7 participants
Practical information
- Next date: To be announced
- Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Duration: 7 hours
- Location: Tisse et File, 571 boulevard Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Mercier, Quebec – Montreal area
- Level: Intermediate
- Instructor: Catherine Malichecq
- Language: French (English translation available upon request)
- Number of participants: Minimum 3 – maximum 7
Is this workshop right for you?
This workshop is intended for weavers who already know the basics of weaving on a shaft loom and would like to begin understanding and exploring the possibilities of double weave.
It is particularly well suited to you if you:
- have already woven on a shaft loom;
- want to understand how two layers of cloth can be constructed simultaneously;
- want to go beyond simply following a draft or a recipe;
- enjoy observing and understanding the relationship between threading, tie-up, treadling and the resulting cloth;
- want to learn principles that you can later apply to your own projects.
You must have previous weaving experience and be able to dress a shaft loom before the workshop, or choose the option to use a loom prepared by Tisse et File.
Understand what happens to the threads
In double weave, two systems of threads can be organized in different ways to create two separate layers or to join those layers at specific points. By changing the way the layers are connected, it becomes possible to create structures such as a tube or a piece that is open along one side.
During this workshop, the goal is therefore not simply to memorize a sequence of shafts or picks. Each exercise gives you an opportunity to observe which threads belong to each layer, where the layers connect and how the construction of the cloth changes as the organization of the threads changes.
Learning a weave structure is not about learning a recipe. It is about gaining a new tool for thinking, creating and expressing yourself through weaving.
By the end of this workshop, you will be able to...
- understand the basic construction of two simultaneous layers on a 4-shaft loom;
- identify the threads belonging to each layer;
- understand how the layers can remain separate or be joined;
- construct tubular double weave by joining the two layers;
- understand the construction of semi-circular double weave;
- observe and analyze how the threads behave when the construction changes;
- use these principles as a starting point for your own explorations in double weave.
What you will make
You will create a series of exercises and samples designed to progressively explore several double-weave constructions on 4 shafts:
- two separate layers;
- tubular double weave;
- semi-circular double weave.
These samples are not an end in themselves. They become reference tools that allow you to compare constructions, observe how the threads travel and better understand how these principles can be adapted to future projects.
Preparing your loom: two options
Your loom must be completely dressed and ready to weave at the beginning of the workshop. Two options will be available when registration opens.
Option 1 – Bring your own loom, ready to weave
Before the workshop, you will receive a preparation sheet containing all the information required to dress your loom. You prepare your warp and dress your loom at home so that you arrive ready to begin the exercises.
This option is recommended for participants who are already comfortable with indirect warping and dressing a shaft loom.
Option 2 – Loom prepared and provided by Tisse et File
You may also choose to use a loom prepared by Tisse et File. This option includes the warp yarn, preparation and dressing of the loom, as well as use of the loom during the workshop.
This option adds $60 to the workshop fee.
Not yet comfortable with indirect warping?
Being able to prepare and dress your own loom is an important skill as you progress in shaft-loom weaving.
If you already know how to weave but are not yet comfortable with this step, we recommend taking our Indirect Warping workshop first. You will then be able to prepare your own loom using the preparation sheet provided before this workshop.
Discover the Indirect Warping workshop
Simply bring...
- your loom completely dressed and ready to weave if you have chosen that option;
- something to take notes with;
- comfortable indoor shoes;
- your curiosity and desire to understand.
If you choose the “Loom prepared and provided by Tisse et File” option, you do not need to bring a loom.
An approach centred on understanding
In her workshops, Catherine Malichecq emphasizes understanding weave structures and the path of the threads rather than learning ready-made recipes. The goal is to give you the tools to observe cloth, understand how it is constructed and gradually become more independent in your own weaving explorations.
This approach is reflected throughout the workshop through:
- exercises that allow you to observe how the different structures are actually constructed;
- particular attention to the relationship between threading, tie-up, treadling and the resulting cloth;
- samples designed to become useful references for future projects;
- constant connections between theory, observation of the cloth and hands-on work at the loom;
- small groups that encourage questions, discussion and personalized guidance;
- a progression toward greater independence in analyzing and designing your own weaving.
A small-group workshop
The workshop is limited to seven participants so that everyone has time to observe the different constructions, ask questions and receive individual guidance throughout the exercises.
A minimum of three registrations is required for the workshop to take place.
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, the study of weave structures and understanding how cloth is constructed.
She has achieved the Senior level of the Guild of Canadian Weavers' Master Weaver program and is currently working toward the Master level.
Her teaching is guided by a central idea: understanding how cloth is constructed allows a weaver to go much further than simply reproducing a pattern. In her workshops, she focuses on making the relationships between threads, structures and actions at the loom visible, helping each participant gradually develop the ability to analyze, experiment and create her own projects.
Learn more about Catherine Malichecq
Continue your learning
Double weave opens the door to many possibilities. Once the fundamental principles are understood, they can become the foundation for exploring more complex constructions and developing projects in which multiple layers interact.
- Explore additional double-weave constructions.
- Experiment with relationships between layers.
- Analyze double-weave drafts.
- Use double weave as a design tool in your own projects.
Explore more
Online Courses Weaving Looms Resources
Frequently asked questions
Is this workshop suitable for beginners?
No. This is an intermediate-level workshop. You should already have experience weaving on a shaft loom and understand the basic principles of dressing a loom.
Do I need to bring my own loom?
Not necessarily. You can either bring your own loom completely dressed and ready to weave or choose to use a loom prepared and provided by Tisse et File for an additional fee.
What if I do not yet know how to dress my loom?
We recommend taking the Indirect Warping workshop first. You may also choose the “Loom prepared and provided by Tisse et File” option when registering.
Is this workshop based on completing a specific project?
No. You will create a series of exercises and samples. The goal is to understand how the threads are organized to create different forms of double weave so that you can later apply these principles to your own projects.
Learning a weave structure is not about learning a recipe. Catherine Malichecq's workshops give you the knowledge to observe, understand, experiment and progressively develop your own creations.
Registration conditions
When a new date is scheduled, registration details, loom-preparation options and applicable conditions will be provided when registration opens.