The Oxford Weaving Studio
The Oxford Weaving Studio
Learn to weave with expert weaver Cassandra Smith (www.cassandrasabo.co.uk). With over 12 years of weaving experience designing and hand-weaving interior textiles for private clients and design professionals, her award-winning designs have been featured in magazines and exhibited worldwide.
In 2018 Cassandra founded The Oxford Weaving Studio (www.oxfordweavingstudio.com), a textile design studio supporting a global community of weavers and fibre arts enthusiasts to discover their style of weaving. Cassandra shares her love of weaving and vast technical and materials knowledge through a variety of videos, BLOGs, speaking events and teaches workshops online and from her studio in Oxford, UK.
Cassandra is the designer of The Oxford Frame Loom and her studio sells a growing selection of weaving frame looms & tools, colourful yarns & fibres and unique weaving kits for weavers, knitters, crocheters, spinners and fibre artists looking to expand their textile art knowledge.
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Do you have a video on how to establish a double warp on a loom?
Hi Norelle, thanks for your question. When you say 'double warp', that can mean different things. A double warp is usually used when wanting to create a 2 sided cloth on a table loom. However my design of frame loom, 'The Oxford Frame Loom', can have both sides of the frame set up with a warp (a similar or different type) to achieve a similar effect. I have a video of this, however it's shared with those who have purchased the loom. But I can see about sharing one on KZread if you think it is helpful? And if this is indeed what you mean by double warp? =)
@@CASSANDRASMITH-wj9uy Hello Cassandra. I have enclosed pics of my first ever attempt at weaving on a cardboard loom... for now. (Yes, that is a chopstick to beat down on). Checkerboard tutorial advised separate rows then stitch together for crisp squares. However, one row is shorter than the other two due to tension so wondering if it is best NOT to disjoint the pieces? I temporarily tied new yarn to a warp string rather than having a loose end, prob not correct. This is the loom I will eventually be working with. Your advice appreciated, Norelle.
i like it
Hi Cassandra- thank you for making this video. I was going to try using this technique- however I had put in a row of twining to start my weaving,and put half hitch knots below that. And thought that the warp would not pull…I tested it and it was not going to work. Have you tried this method when there is a row of twining to start and finish the wall hanging? I didnt that was as much of a locking stitch as the half hitch knot.
Hi Patty, thanks for your query. This technique depends on 3 things: 1. The warp you are using is slippery and strong enough to withstand being pulled through the work. 2. You need to make sure that whatever technique you use at the start and finish of your design simulates plain weave so that the warp doesn’t slip through. And 3. You haven’t woven so tightly that the warp can’t easily move when pulled. I use a slippery mercerised cotton for this technique in the video, but have also used a chunky wool too. It’s best to try a sample first to see what works. I hope that helps?! Cass ☺️
Hi there...was wondering how you finish off when you are doing circular weaving? Is it the same or different?
Hi Samantha, tucking in your ends on a circular woven project is similar to that of a traditional frame loom in that you are simply trying to hide the ends in behind the warp or weft so that they are secure and hidden. However this can be a little more difficult if your circular warp is spaced closer together, especially as you reach the more central parts where the weaving is tighter. In some case you might have to split your thicker yarns and fibres (roving) and tuck them in seperately. But if you apply the original principles, it should still be possible to have a clean finish! Hope that helps! Happy Weaving, Cass 😅
Do you have videos showing how to remove your project and finish/ secure/close the bottom of your project?
Hi Cynthia, thanks for asking! I am working on new videos and it looks like it’s time to add how to remove your work from the loom. Stay tuned! =)
Great Video! 😊 It's nice to see part of the process and how no yarn scraps go to waste.
Thanks! Useful for the planet AND my studio! 😉
Hi Cassandra, I hope you're OK xx ❣️❣️❣️❣️ Thankyou so much for sharing this video podcast and for the small insight into who you are. Seeing your designs set out like that is amazing and they're so very, very beautiful. Thankyou for sharing your expertise and for the inspiration . Happy Spinning and Weaving Fibre Friend Take care and stay safe I hope 2024 brings more of your dreams to fruition. 🎉🎉🎉 Merry Christmas 🎄🎄🎄🎄 Lots of love and Big Hugs to you and your Family..Jen xxxx ❤️❤️❤️❤️🫂🫂🫂🫂☃️⛄️🎅
Thanks! Have a lovely Christmas! ☺️
I like this loom, would like to get more information before investing.
Hi Janet! Thanks for watching my launch video of The Oxford Frame Loom. If you would like to learn more about the loom, visit oxfordweavingstudio.com/products/the-oxford-frame-loom-1 This link will take you directly to the product page on my website and it discusses many of the features of the loom. I am also inviting those who purchase the loom a free 3-month subscription to the new 'Discover Your Weaving Style' membership which will be a database of weaving techniques, patterns and topics (many unique to The Oxford Frame Loom). This is launching in January, but you can join our free community membership until it launches, here: the-oxford-weaving-studio.circle.so/join?invitation_token=715bb6fe89ccbcaeeb9f795fc2e73192874a7299-3783a5d4-0748-44c1-85da-e84efb5d1618 If you want to learn more, email me at [email protected] and I can answer any questions you might have. Happy weaving! Cass
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Thanks! It’s been quite the journey to get this loom to market. ☺️
Hi Cass, I hope you're OK xx ❣️❣️❣️ Thankyou so much for sharing this video and for the extra tips, that you give us.🌟🌟 Happy Spinning and Weaving Fibre Friend 🎡🐑🥰 Take care, love and hugs Jen xxxx ❤️❤️❤️🫂🫂🫂🌼🌼
You are so welcome! Cass
Hi Cassandra I hope you're OK xx ❣️❣️❣️ Thankyou so much for sharing this video and this technique of finishing a Woven piece 🎉🎉 Hope you're having a good weekend ☀️🌞 Happy Spinning and Weaving Fibre Friend 🎡🐑🥰 Take care, love and hugs Jen xxxx ❤️❤️❤️🫂🫂🫂🌼🌼
@Oxford Weaving Studio Hi Cassandra, I hope you're OK xx ❣️❣️❣️ Hope you're having a Wonderful Weekend 🌟☀️🌞 Happy Spinning and Weaving Fibre Friend 🎡🐑🥰🎉 Take care and stay safe Lots of love and Big Hugs Jen xxxx ❤️❤️❤️❤️🫂🫂🫂🫂🌼🌼
Thanks so much 😊
Hi Cass, I hope you're OK xx ❣️❣️❣️ I know how hard things have been for everyone , especially those who have been working from home and those that have children too.😊😊 I'm looking forward to the Old/New video podcasts. 🎉🎉 Thankyou so much for sharing this video podcast . Happy Spinning and Weaving Fibre Friend 🎡🐑🥰 Take care, stay safe, love and Big Hugs Jen xxxx ❤️❤️❤️🫂🫂🫂🌼🌼
All good here! Life is busy as always, but taking time off has been helping! Thanks for checking in! ❤️
Hi Cass, I hope you're OK xx ❣️❣️❣️ I love your Handspun Art Yarn 🎉🎉and your Woven Cushion looks amazing, beautiful and so squishy. 🎉🎉🐑 Happy Spinning and Weaving Fibre Friend 🎡🐑🥰 Take care and stay safe Love and hugs Jen xxxx ❤️❤️❤️🫂🫂🫂🥰🥰
Thanks so much! 🙌🏻
Hi,my name is Estherand I live in Kyparissi, a small village in Greece and Im in to weaving too. Could you tell me where you buy your yarn?
Hi! Glad to hear you’re enjoying weaving! As for yarn, I source it mainly from the UK. If you like the yarns & fibres I work with in my weaving, I sell them all in my online shop. www.oxfordweavingstudio.com Hope that helps! 😊
Hi Cassandra, I hope you're OK xx ❣️❣️❣️ Your New Loom looks interesting. 🌟🌟 Thankyou for sharing this video podcast. Hope you have a Wonderful Weekend 🌞☀️ Happy Spinning and Weaving Fibre Friend 🎡🐑🥰 Take care, love and Big Hugs Jen xxxx ❤️❤️❤️🫂🫂🫂🌼🌼
You’re welcome 😊
Want to learn how to weave a cushion to match your home decor? 😊 Join our online course here: 📌www.domestika.org/en/courses/3427-hand-weaving-techniques-design-textile-accessories/csabodesigns
Hi Casandra, Thankyou so much for the link to this video. Can't wait to try this way of Weaving Thanks again Fibre Friend ...Jen xx ❤❤❤❤
You are so welcome!
Hi, thankyou so much for sharing this video I've been trying to weave a pattern with triangles within the piece, now I know why it wasn't working. Hope you have a good weekend Happy Spinning and Weaving... Jen xx
I hope it helps! ☺️
@@TheOxfordWeavingStudio Hi, I'm sure it will.🙂🎉 Many thanks for sharing this video and your expertise. It's very much appreciated 🌟🌟 Thanks again Jen xx❣️❣️
@@TheOxfordWeavingStudio Hi, I hope you're OK xx ❣️❣️❣️ Thankyou so much for the Heart ♥ Sending Heart ♥ back to you ❤️💞 Hope you're having a Wonderful Weekend ☀️🌞 Happy Spinning and Weaving Fibre Friend 🎡🐑🎉🥰 Take care, love and hugs Jen xxxx ❤️❤️❤️🫂🫂🫂
Watch the FULL VIDEO on how to set-up a warp by clicking on the ◀️ link at the bottom of the short. 😊
If you're new to weaving and want to learn how to correctly set up your warp on a circular (or ring frame) just click on the ◀️ link at the bottom of the short.
Thank You for sharing. I have Absolutely enjoyed your tutorial! I’ve liked and subscribed 💜☮️🙏🏼✨
Thanks so much and for subscribing! More videos to come now that my health has improved. =) Enjoy! Cass
Hi, do you have planet weave tutorial?
Not in the plans yet, but can add it to the list! ☺️
Domestika is a great online course platform. Good to see you there!
Thanks for watching! The course was such a great experience, I'm hoping to film another! =)
Thank you! Very helpful!
Glad it is helpful!
Superliked Superinteresting
Haha! Thanks for that and apologies for the very late reply. The summer has been busy, but 'back to school' is always a good time to find focus! I'm hoping to share more videos that have filmed, but not yet edited. Coming soon! Cass
Beautiful colors
Thanks so much!
Hi 👋
Hope this was helpful?! =)
Si tocas la pantalla en la parte superior derecha, te aparecen símbolos, elige la ruedita de la derecha, ahí te aparece la opción de subtitulos y puedes elegir el idioma español. Espero te ayude
Thank for very clear and easy instructions 😊
You’re welcome! Enjoy. ☺️
Tooooooo. Fast!!!’
I do speak quickly sometimes! =) But try slowing down the video in KZread settings so you can follow along easier. Enjoy!
This is so great! I would love to know how to remove a weave from a circular loom? I can't find answers anywhere 😭
Hi! I'm glad this was helpful. As for the circular loom, it depends on if it has notches or holes in the loom, if it is a metal ring and how it is warped up. All circular looms are generally meant to be part of the project and not removed as they are generally inexpensive compared to a 'proper' frame loom. But circular looms with holes can be warped up differently to remove it... an idea for another video? Failing that, grab your scissors! Cut the warp off and weave all the ends into the project. It's a time-consuming way, but if you are patient, you will be rewarded! Happy Weaving! ☺
@@TheOxfordWeavingStudio thankyou!!
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Come and join us! 🧶🍷😉
@@TheOxfordWeavingStudio I’m only a beginner and just starting out. In fact, I haven’t done anything except assemble my loom 🫣. I think with the time difference my wine would be a morning beverage 😬😅
@@taniag4852 😂 You’re not alone in just assembling your loom! Learning a new skill takes time… hope some of my videos help! ☺️
@@TheOxfordWeavingStudio thank you. I’m sure they will 🥰
The circular wall hanging at 5:10 has absolutely stunning colors, it is so beautiful I'd buy it right away. Thanks for all your great vids!
You are so welcome and thank you! I love this wall of wool roving, it is how I store my wool and clients love it when they can choose their favourites! =)
I immediately bought this course when it came across my Instagram feed. Might you offer a course on weaving a scarf on the frame loom? I am keen to try this and would definitely buy a frame loom.
Hi Cindy! I'm glad to hear you bought the course and hope you enjoy it! I have a few ideas for new courses, one of which is a scarf project. But these type of courses takes months to put together and edit, so it will likely be a little while before it is ready to go! =) As for the loom, it has been out of stock for the last 6 months while I have been searching for a new supplier... but I should be having a pre-sale in a couple of weeks when they re-launch. So make sure you're signed up to my newsletter as I will notify my subscribers first. Happy Weaving! Cass
@@TheOxfordWeavingStudio I will definitely do that, and thanks for the rapid response. What I really want to do is come to Oxford and take an in person course. If you plan to teach in the US, your newsletter will tell me that.
@@CindyCourtney 😂 Now that's commitment! But I do travel to Canada often as my family is in Montreal and Ottawa, and do head to NY and Boston on occasion. I have thought of teaching there, so might have to see if I can work something out! My newsletter would definitely share that news for sure!
Seriously - ummms and arghs make up half the time 🤦🤦
Hi Denise, I totally agree! This was one of my first ever videos, so not a slick delivery for sure. But I'm always learning!
Absolutely beautiful and inspiring! I can't imagine how you fit in all that work with a family. I'm lucky to have a local class in Weaving but wish there was a studio like yours in the area. Now I'll check out your other sites and if I ever get to Oxford will definitely visit. From California 😍
Thanks Marina! Such kind words. And juggling the studio and family is definitely tricky. 😉 But please do stop by if you find yourself in Oxford! 🙏
Thank you for these videos! I’m just barely starting to pick up loom weaving, and these tips are all invaluable!
I’m glad they’re helping! Happy weaving! ☺️
Instructions seem very clear at first but “turning the corner” and making layered rows is not clear - I kept either unwinding my prior row, or dropping stitches at the ends. I am brand new to this, but the camera needs to be MUCH closer to actually see the stitches and individual turns for it to make sense
Thanks for the feedback! I was new to filming, so zooming in wasn’t a skill I had back then. As for ‘turning the corner’, remember to start on the very first warp end. It will create a little knot on that warp end but the pattern will be clearer from the next warp end. Our brains often struggle to do the reverse direction so be patient and it will just click! Good luck!
So helpful to watch as I am starting my second small woven piece ever. Also, good to know about even and odd warping. My Instructions are for an odd number. I see why now, as the shape in the middle is of a heart.
Glad it helps!! ☺️
Where do you sign up?
Hi!! You can sign up using this link: www.domestika.org/en/courses/3427-hand-weaving-techniques-design-textile-accessories/csabodesigns I look forward to seeing you there! Cass
I signed up yesterday. My first class on this platform. I’m VERY new to weaving & super excited to learn!
That’s brilliant!! It’s a really comprehensive course with basic techniques, but lots of knowledge for you to add in when you’re ready! I look forward to to engaging more on the platform! ☺️ Cass
How does blue faced Leicester differ from plain wool when weaving wall hanging? You shop looks so inviting. Following from Virginia, US.
Hi Kimberly and thanks for your question. The wool from each sheep has its own characteristics, ie colour, staple length of fibre, handle and look. I am by no means an expert on sheep, but I have used BFL in wall hangings, throws, cushions and lampshades and have found it to be a beautiful fibre to add texture and a natural feel to my projects as it has a slightly 'hairy' texture I like. However I have usually blended or combined BFL with merino as it isn't as soft and smooth as merino, so it's great to show (or feel) the contrast between the two fibres. But if using it strictly for wall-hangings, then you can really experiment with it! Happy weaving! Cass
Thank you for guidance
You're welcome! And happy weaving! =)
I absolutely love your rainbow mini loom sets.
Thanks! They're really handy for whipping up small projects! =)
What kind of string for warp?
Hi! I’ve used a cotton yarn for this warp. It is a 4-ply of 2/16s cotton, meaning it is a fine, 2-ply yarn, plied again (x 4) to create a thicker yarn. You can use many different types of yarn for a warp, but it will depend on what you are trying to weave. But cotton is usually a safe bet for beginners as it doesn’t break easily and is a good base for other yarns introduced in the weft. Hope this helps! ☺️
I’ve just ordered your Oxford xtra large loom . The spacing between the warps are closer than my current loom by Milward , which I’m much happier about . I currently restore antique Kelims & dye silk , wool and cotton myself . I’ve purchased your loom in order to weave unique weavings using , silk and gold to name just two . Very much looking forward to reviving my loom .
Hi! I’ve just seen your order and I hope you enjoy weaving on it! It comes with a few videos to show you how to get the most out of the loom, which I’ll be adding to over time. Happy weaving! Cass
Hi Cass Just out of interest , I’ve noticed from basically all the Utube videos seen so far talk about weaving wall hangings ; occasionally on scarves and place mats etc Like to know of the practical sides of making a jumper ( or pullover if the term means the same ) as I’ve an old handmade one in a natural colours somewhat shrunk on me so want to reuse the wool by shortening the arm sections to elbow length and re use the spare wool to lengthen the body part to cover my lower back when bending down . Looking at a peg loom I’ve made for such use but like to know if you or others watching your videos if and how best to use these type of looms for such a process Not into knitting etc and wife eyes not to good these days but like out of interest to have a go on a loom weaving myself I guess the wool for the warp would be best to use as same as the weft to offer more stretch compared to stronger and stiffer warp. Thanks from Tasmania ( Australia )
Hi Gary! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. You are correct in that most KZread videos about weaving talk about wall-hangings as they are a current trend. But it’s also important to point out that wall-hangings are a great introduction to weaving because they are ‘easy’ to weave. You don’t have any of the practical concerns of making something that will be used. And there are many!! To create a cushion, scarf, jumper etc, you not only require weaving knowledge and techniques, but you must have fibre knowledge, understand weave structures, shaping, pattern design and draping… many other skills other than simply weaving. You also need to understand how something will wear when you sit against it (cushion), if it will shrink when caring for it (jumper) or if it will stretch with time (scarf)… you get the picture!! With regards to your specific question of re-using your yarn to weave a jumper, I’m sure it can be done, but sadly I’ve never tried! If I were to guess, your challenges would be deciding if you were simply going to weave a square cloth and sew it into a jumper, or try and design AND weave it on a loom… a challenging task! You would require a wide loom (or understand double cloth), be confident with shaping, understand the drape of your jumper… As you can see, weaving a jumper is best reserved for a confident weaver. If that’s you, then I wish you luck!! I hope this helps you to understand the complexity of weaving a jumper (or most practical fashion or interior products) and if I ever get around to having a go myself, I will share my finds!! All the best, Cass
Thank you for the helpful tips!
Thanks! I’m working on more behind the scenes… stay tuned!
Where can one buy this?
Hi again, you can purchase this loom on my website under the looms & tools in my online shop. The link is in the description below. Thanks for watching!! Cass
What is the width of this frame? I didn't understand the 4, 8, 16 ends per inch bit.
Hi! The width of this frame loom is approx. 30cm x 37cm. The 4, 8 and 16 ends per inch describes how close together you can set up your warp on this loom. If you are a beginner weaver, then you will likely set up your warp at 4 EPI, the wider spacing. As your skills grow and if you want to experiment with creating finer cloth, you can set up your warp at 16 EPI. If you’re still a bit confused, I’ve created a video explaining EPI on my Instagram channel. You can see it @oxfordweavingstudio on my IGTV channel. Hope that helps!! Cass
Way too far away, the camera is...cannot see what you are doing.
Hi and thanks for your comment. This was one of my first attempts at filming videos, so hadn’t yet cracked the best distance. But will keep your feedback in mind for the next one!