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Register Online January 12 - March 20, 2026
Join us for Sakiori with Beth Ross Johnson
Based on the recycling traditions of Japanese textiles, saki (to rip up) ori (to weave) is the rag weaving tradition of Japan used to make a lighter weight fabric than the rag rugs we are used to.
Rag weaving in Japan increased in popularity after the beginning of the 17th century. Cotton rags were used to reinforce clothing and were later torn into strips and woven. Later styles developed that used silk strips from kimono that took advantage of the patterns on the cloth to create ikat like effects. This workshop will look at the idea of using rags to make cloth for clothing and domestic textiles as opposed to rugs, emphasizing lighter weight textiles.
This workshop will focus on using silk rags for color and weave effects and paying attention to the construction of the cloth. Learn ways to manage long strips of rag, exploit design possibilities of stripes or pattern on the rags and control the density of rag fabric. By carefully controlling printed or striped fabrics, we can use rags as if they were ikat threads to make pattern in the cloth that goes beyond hit and miss patterns.
There are several different phases of Japanese rag weaving. We will talk about all of them but we will be basing this project on some 20th century ways of designing and weaving rags using a cotton warp and silk rags. A history of Japanese rag rug weaving and an overview of rag weaving for cloth from other parts of the world such as Acadian and Scandinavian traditions will be covered for continued inspiration.
Zanshi (leftovers) uses leftover threads and thrums for weaving and is an excellent way to use up some of your stash, putting odds and ends together.
Skill Level
Participants must be familiar with weaving on a multi-shaft loom.
Equipment & Supplies
Participants must bring their own pre-warped multi-shaft looms. All looms must be warped before the workshop begins; participants supply their own warp and weft materials. Instructions, supply and equipment list will be sent upon registration. All basic weaving supplies for this workshop are the responsibility of the participant. Instructor will have some weft materials available for purchase for $5.
Four 4-shaft Erica table looms are available for rent; select the "Rent" option during registration. Cost is $25 for members, $35 for non members; available for pickup one week prior to workshop.
Note: Friday, March 27 room set up begins at 8:30 am and class begins at 9:30.
Registration
This weaving workshop is open to the public from age 18.
Your registration will be confirmed once you have paid online by credit card.
Cancellations made through March 13, 2026 will receive a full refund. If you cancel after March 13 there will be no refund unless there is a waiting list and someone can take your place. If the workshop is cancelled by Hawai'i Handweavers' Hui, a full refund will be issued to those registered.
Housing at KMC
Housing in the cottages at Kilauea Military Camp is available; please contact Jo Hittner by February 6.
KMC map
There is a $30 entry fee to Volcanoes National Park, good for 7 days. Click here for or more information on fees and digital passes.
For more information contact Joan Namkoong.
Instructor Bio
Beth Ross Johnson is a weaver, teacher and workshop leader living in Black Mountain, North Carolina. She grew up in Charleston, South Carolina and when she became interested in weaving and textile arts, she learned initially from students of Norman Kennedy, later studying with him for many workshops. A lifelong fascination with Asian art led to an interest in Japanese textiles and she has had two extensive stays in Japan to study kasuri (ikat weaving and dyeing) and sakiori (rag weaving) with master weavers there.
Other avenues of exploration have been sashiko stitching and nyoho-e (Zen stitching). Recent studies have been in the ikat traditions of Europe, influenced by the 18th century wave of Orientalism on the continent, and woven structures like sashiko-ori and kasuri-ori that mimc hand stitching and ikat processes.
The craft schools, weather, and music compelled a move to western North Carolina in 1980 where she has worked a number of arts-related jobs (including in environmental and craft preservation in Cherokee) while maintaining a studio and teaching in formal and informal institutions.
Hawaiʻi Handweavers' Hui members receive a discounted workshop fee. If you are interested in becoming a member please click HERE.
For more information on HHH contact: classes@hawaiihandweavers.org
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HHH TERMS OF USE_CANCELLATION POLICY 5_2023.pdf
