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Collection of woven samples created using two rigid heddles and a pickup stick on a rigid heddle loom

Understanding Rather Than Simply Reproducing

by Tisse et File
$290.00 - $340.00
$290.00
$290.00 - $340.00
$290.00

Understanding Rather Than Simply Reproducing

You already know how to warp your rigid heddle loom, dress it and weave plain weave. Now you are ready to take the next step by learning how to create new weave structures on your rigid heddle loom.

This two-day workshop is designed for weavers who want to move beyond following ready-made patterns and begin understanding how woven structures are created. Using two rigid heddles and a pickup stick, you will learn the principles behind a variety of structures so you can analyze them, modify existing patterns and create your own designs.

Working from a single warp, you will explore numerous possibilities while building a collection of woven samples that will become a valuable reference library for your future projects.

Language of instruction: This workshop is taught in French. Participants should be comfortable understanding spoken French in order to fully benefit from the demonstrations and personalized instruction.

Upcoming Workshop

  • Dates: August 21 and 22, 2026
  • Time: 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Duration: Two days
  • Location: Tisse et File, Mercier, Québec, Canada
  • Level: Intermediate
  • Language: French
  • Maximum participants: 6

Who Is This Workshop For?

This workshop is intended for weavers who already have experience using a rigid heddle loom and are comfortable with the basics of weaving.

Before registering, you should already know how to:

  • warp a rigid heddle loom;
  • dress the loom independently;
  • weave plain weave.

If you are new to weaving, we recommend taking an introductory rigid heddle weaving workshop before registering for this course.

What You Will Learn

  • Use two rigid heddles effectively on a rigid heddle loom.
  • Understand the role and possibilities of a pickup stick.
  • Analyze how different weave structures are formed.
  • Observe how a small change can influence the resulting fabric.
  • Modify existing weaving patterns.
  • Create your own designs based on the principles explored during the workshop.
  • Continue experimenting independently after the workshop.

Your Sample Collection

Throughout the two days, you will weave a collection of samples highlighting different structures created from the same warp.

The samples will be woven in neutral colours so the focus remains on the structure rather than on colour effects. This will make the samples easier to observe, analyze and compare.

You will leave with a valuable reference collection that can guide and inspire your future weaving projects.

Materials and Equipment

Participants work on their own rigid heddle loom.

Several weeks before the workshop, you will receive complete instructions so you can arrive with your loom fully dressed and ready to weave. This preparation allows us to devote nearly all of the workshop time to learning, observation and experimentation.

This workshop is designed for a narrow rigid heddle loom. If you own a wider loom, please contact us before registering.

Recommended equipment:

  • Rigid heddle loom
  • Two 7.5 dpi rigid heddles
  • Pickup stick

Do not have all the required equipment? When registering, you may choose the Prepared Equipment Rental option. Availability is limited.

4/8 cotton weft yarn is included.

Why Such a Small Group?

Enrollment is intentionally limited to six participants to encourage discussion and provide personalized instruction throughout the workshop.

Each participant can progress at their own pace and receive guidance adapted to their loom, questions and weaving goals.

Your Instructor

Passionate about textile arts for many years, Catherine Malichecq has explored a wide range of creative disciplines, including dance, music, drawing, embroidery, felting and weaving.

Recipient of several awards in embroidery and weaving, she is currently completing the Master level of the Master Weaver Program offered by the Guild of Canadian Weavers.

In 2019, she founded Tisse et File, followed by Tisse et File Courses in 2020, with the goal of sharing solid, accessible and lasting textile knowledge.

Her teaching philosophy is based on a simple belief: understanding the principles of weaving helps weavers become more independent, develop their creativity and approach new projects with confidence. Rather than teaching only a series of techniques or patterns to reproduce, she helps participants develop the knowledge needed to analyze structures, experiment and create their own work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a beginner workshop?
No. You should already be comfortable with the basic steps involved in using a rigid heddle loom.

Why do I need to arrive with my loom already dressed?
Preparing and dressing a loom can take several hours. Arriving with your loom ready to weave allows us to devote both days to exploring structures and analyzing the results.

I do not own two rigid heddles or a pickup stick. Can I still participate?
Yes. You may choose the Prepared Equipment Rental option when registering, subject to availability.

Will we complete a finished project?
The workshop focuses on creating a series of samples rather than completing one finished project. These samples will serve as a reference for future projects and help you develop your own designs.

Registration Policy

Because space is limited, registrations are non-transferable and non-refundable.