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Register Online Now through April 29, 2025.
Join us for Overshot with Linda Hee.
Overshot was a typical weave structure used in Early American Coverlets. It is a very rhythmic weave structure which provides a strong ground cloth with short supplementary weft pattern floats. This is a 2-tie unit weave structure, where two shafts are used to form the sturdy ground cloth and additional shafts can be used to form the pattern blocks. Once the weaver understands this concept, you will be able to design your own patterns or expand on existing patterns.
A four yard warp will be placed on the loom. The first section will be used to practice and sample the overshot technique with a variety of weft yarns. You will then design a pillow cover or a project of your own choice that is 15" - 20" wide, depending on the pattern(s) chosen.
There will be an additional supply fee of $20 paid to the instructor on the day of class. The fee includes warp and weft yarn supplied by the Hui. You may choose to bring your own weft yarn. This class is open to students who are able to wind a warp and dress a floor loom.
Example of an advanced overshot weaving project turned into a jacket
Provided Materials:
What to Bring:
*Textbooks are not required for class A Handweaver's Pattern Book by Marguerite Porter Davison. A Weaver's Book of 8-shaft Patterns edited by Carol Strickler (only if you are using an eight harness loom).If you have one of these two textbooks, feel free to bring it to class. The hui has one copy of each for students to look at during class.
Instructor Bio:
Linda has a BFA in weaving from the University of Hawaii. She has been weaving for about 50 years and still enjoys it. She mainly weaves presentation pieces, but can occasionally produce a functional household item.
Hawaiʻi Handweavers' Hui members receive a discounted class fee. If you are interested in becoming a member please click HERE.
This class is open to adults from age 18.
We require a minimum of three participants for each class. A full refund will be issued to those registered, if class is cancelled by Hawaiʻi Handweavers’ Hui. Refunds for class registration cancellation by participant will be issued in full only if the cancellation is made more than 14 days before the class begins.
MAP Downtown Art Center
Click for information on Parking at DAC
MAP to HHH Classroom
How do I get to the Studio? From the Chinatown Gateway Garage, take the elevator to the 2nd floor and walk to the large double doors on the left. Enter the gallery and turn left; we are the last door on the left, past the kitchen. If you are parked elsewhere, walk up the steps to the DAC gift shop, go past it to find the elevator, and follow the instructions above to access the studio. There is a handicap ramp if you cannot walk up the stairs for the DAC building on the Nu'uanu entrance side. Walk towards the street lights, and you will see the ramp; you will need to walk through the courtyard to the elevator.
For more information contact: classes@hawaiihandweavers.org
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HHH TERMS OF USE_CANCELLATION POLICY 5_2023.pdf
Register Online Now through May 17, 2025.
Join us for Rag Rugs with Reina Young & Helen Rau
Learn how to weave a rag rug. Have fun repurposing old materials to create something new. Draft your own unique rug design and bring it to life using a variety of plain-weave patterning techniques. Instructors will introduce the parts of a loom, explain how they work, and demonstrate how to measure a warp and dress the loom for weaving a rag rug.
By the end of the class, participants will know the basics of weaving a rug on a floor loom, and they will take home a one-of-a-kind approximately 2'x3' creation.
There will be an additional $25 supply fee, payable to the instructor on the first day of class, which includes 2-3 yards of rug warp and weft material
Instructor Bios
Reina Young is a multi media artist based in Hawaiʻi, she specializes in fabric arts, digital illustrations and handmade, artisanal goods. With a background in graphic design, her passion is to create, teach and bring beauty and vibrancy into people’s lives through art and crafting.
Register Online Now through June 9, 2025.
Join us for Woven Ribbons on the Rigid Heddle with Helen Rau
In this hands-on class, students will explore the ancient art of card (tablet) weaving using an inkle loom.
Designed for beginners and intermediate weavers alike, this class focuses on weaving with 14 cards with 5/2 perle cotton, producing durable and decorative bands.
Participants will learn how to:
Warp an inkle loom for tablet weaving with a warp length of 80 inches
Thread and set up 14-hole cards to create patterns
Read and follow simple turning sequences and pattern drafts
Understand threading and card orientation
Manage tension and beat for even weaving
Finish woven bands for practical or decorative use
By the end of the session, each student will complete a patterned band approximately 65–70 inches long, with room for creative experimentation. All materials, including 5/2 perle cotton thread and pre-punched cards, will be provided. No prior experience required.
Knitting stitch holder or safety pin
Artist Bio:
Helen Rau has been weaving since 1995. Her favorite process of weaving is warping, and she loves creating kitchen towels, rag rugs, and scarves. Initially working on a floor loom, she transitioned to Rigid Heddle to save on space. Helen lives part-time in Portland, Oregon, and her other passions are spinning cotton, and spending time in her kitchen!
This class is open to adults, and minors ages 12-17 when accompanied by a parent or guardian. If you are interested in taking the class with your child, please register online and add your child as a guest. Those registering for a Hawaiʻi Handweavers’ Hui class may add one guest based on availability.
Register Online Now through June 13, 2025.
Join us for Natural Dyeing with Ghislaine Chock.
Create a new palette from natural dyeing, by intention or choice, for our upcoming exhibition or future projects. Bring your warp threads, ready to dip, or a skein. Fat quarters of cotton will be provided that can be shibori during class, or bring your prepared pieces. Yarns or cloths can be either of protein or cellulose qualities. Vats of colors from different plant sources, even insects, and indigo will be available to explore.
Sustainability for a cloth dyer means utilizing local, and sometimes not so local, materials to produce colors without using unfriendly chemical compounds. In this class we will explore natural colors, hues and values derived from the cochineal insect, as well as from plants such as rosemary, madder, logwood, sappanwood, alkanet, and even onion skins. We will dye two yards of Kaufman 100% Kona cotton fabric which you can cut to your desired lengths. Kona cotton is tested for harmful substances and given the "Confidence in Textiles Certification."
There will be an additional supply fee of $40 payable to the instructor on the first day of class. The supply fee includes two yards Kona cotton, and dyeing materials: tannin, mordants, and plants.
Instructor Bio
Ghislaine weaves and dyes textiles, with a focus on creating colors through use of local and not so local plant dyes. She has also has been making quilts for family and friends in beautiful Hawaiʻi for over 35 years
MAP Downtown Art Center - Parking, Enter the Chinatown Gateway Garage from Bethel Street. All transactions by credit card.
Register Online Now through June 14, 2025.
Join us for Double Heddle Tube Bag with Helen Rau
In this class, you will warp and weave a two-layer fabric on the rigid heddle loom. We will be warping on two 10 dent reed heddles. Three projects can be woven on 80” warp. Because of the nature of the double heddle, as we weave our project, the two ends will be woven together, creating a tube. No sewing necessary! After adding your woven strap, (optional) Voila! You have finished making an advanced woven bag all by your hands!
There will be an additional $25 supply fee for yarn and weaving tools that is paid to the instructor on the first day of class. Supply fee includes 2 1/2 yards of 8/4 cotton in two reeds for warp, and two strands of 8/2 cotton or single strand 8/4 carpet warp for weft. All supplies and materials will be provided; however, students may bring their own yarn* and rigid heddle loom.
*Upon checking with instructors to confirm the yarn is appropriate for class use.
Register Online Now through June 21, 2025.
Join us for Indigo Dip Dyeing with Kilikina.
Learn the process of dip dying using a plant-based, natural blue dye called indigo.
All experience levels are welcome. No previous dye or textile background is necessary.
Japanese shibori folding tying, and clamping techniques will be introduced. Indigo dying is about dipping, then oxidation. The more times you dip an item, the darker the blue color becomes. It can easily take one hour to finish dying one thing. Participants will dye 2 dishcloths (provided) and two shirts. (Participants may bring 2 shirts to dye).
All dyes, string, disposable gloves, strings, clamps, rubber bands, wood blocks, buckets, containers and racks will be provided.
***Participants must be able to stand for long periods of time (1 hour) and withstand the heat of the outdoor sun.
Note: Thorough rinsing, washing and drying of the fabrics will be done at home.
What to bring:
**Wear any clothes that you wouldn't mind getting a tiny colored splash on, and old comfortable shoes. It’s best to leave jewelry such as rings and bracelets at home.
About the Instructor:
Art educator, and creator of apparel company, I Love Tie Dye Hawaii, Kilikina is a passionate artist. She started experimenting with tie dye and Japanese shibori techniques in 2018 as a color theory lesson for her high school art students. She loves how making and wearing tie dye apparel makes people happy!
"How do I get to Studio C? Studio C is downstairs opposite the shop on the ground floor. Please note that this class will not be held in the Hawaiʻi Handweavers' Hui studio located on the second floor."
Register Online Now through June 25, 2025.
Join us for Frame Loom Tapestry with Reina Young
Create your own decorative tapestry or wall hanging on a simple frame loom. Learn basic weaving techniques and stitches, how to begin and end your tapestry and how to create shapes, patterns and textures for your own unique design. Frame loom tapestry is creative and perfect for all craft lovers.
This class is open to any skill level. Some knitting, stitching, or weaving experience helps.
There will be an additional supply fee of $30 for a frame loom, needles and yarn. The supply fee is payable to the instructor on the first day of class. All supplies will be provided but if you would like to bring your own yarn, you may.
Reina Young is a multi media artist based in Hawaiʻi. She specializes in fabric arts, digital illustrations and handmade, artisanal goods. With a background in graphic design, her passion is to create, teach and bring beauty and vibrancy into people’s lives through art and crafting.
Registration from May 15 through July 1, 2025.
Join us for Designing Handwoven Transparencies with Suzie Liles
Handwoven transparencies feature inlaid designs on a background of sheer plain weave. Dramatic positive-negative contrasts, enhanced by the interplay of light, are characteristic of this unique medium.
This easy technique assures satisfying results using a simple loom and odds and ends of yarn. Examples of inlay effects, finishing, and mounting options will be shown.
Participants will be guided to try a variety of techniques for developing original designs. Plain weave and simple inlay techniques will be practiced to produce a small decorative, translucent hanging for a window or wall.
Equipment/Supplies
Class fee includes a pre-measured linen warp (provided upon registration) and weft for weaving. Participants must pre-warp their looms and be ready to weave on the first day of class.
What to Bring
Instructor Bio: Suzie Liles
Suzie Liles is a lifelong Oregonian who loves to travel and leads textile tours to Egypt and Sweden. She is an intrepid and enthusiastic weaver who loves to share her knowledge. She has taught weaving workshops and seminars for adults and children in the U.S. and Canada and for the past 30 years she has taught at the Weavers School with Madelyn van der Hoogt.
Suzie has an MFA in fiber from the University of Oregon. She is a member of the Handweavers’ Guild of America and has written many articles for Handwoven Magazine. She is the owner of Eugene Textile Center and co-owner of Glimakra USA.
MAP to Ko Center
This weaving workshop is open to the public from age 18.
Your registration will be confirmed once you have paid for the workshop online by credit card. All supplies for this workshop are the responsibility of the participant.
Cancellations made through June 23, 2025 will receive a full refund. If you cancel after June 23, there will be no refund unless there is a waiting list and someone can take your place. If workshop is cancelled by Hawaiʻi Handweavers’ Hui, a full refund will be issued to those registered.
For more information about this workshop contact Joan Namkoong.
Hawaiʻi Handweavers' Hui members receive a discounted workshop fee. If you are interested in becoming a member please click HERE.
For more information about HHH contact: classes@hawaiihandweavers.org
Register Online Now through July 12, 2025
Join us for Sashiko Stitching with Wendy Arbeit.
Sashiko, a Japanese embroidery style that uses just the running stitch, takes many forms. In this class you’ll learn about the history of sashiko and be able to see many other exmples of this method.
In addition you’ll learn how to stitch the Japanese way as you sew 1 or 2 (depending on time) flowers or animals you may frame or transform into coasters. And you’ll find out about 2 clever tricks to make transferring the designs easy.
We’ll provide the coaster base, sashiko thread, needles, needle threader, patterns, marking pencils, picture frame, and handouts.
Sashiko refers to the humble running stitch once sewn in repeating rows to repair clothing. The stitching has evolved over the years to represent traditional patterns and designs. Today it is used to decorate clothing and other functional items, and to embellish modern wall hangings. Examples will be shared in class.
Wendy Arbeit received an MA in Art from Columbia University. She started making crafts from an early age and continued after her degree by learning the traditional arts of beading, back-strap weaving, basket making, and twining from Iroquois, Mexican, and Pacific island people. She learned sashiko and temari from Japanese books at a time when none were available in English and kumihimo at a Japan-sponsored program.
She has written four traditional-craft related books, What Are Fronds For? a manual for plaiting coconut fronds; Baskets in Polynesia, a survey of central Polynesian baskets; Tapa in Tonga, an introduction to Tongan barkcloth; and finally the award-winning, Links to the Past: the Work of Early Hawaiian Artisans, a compendium of 1000 objects made within 50 years of Western contact.
Register Online Now through July 14, 2025
Join us for Rigid Heddle Weaving II with Reina Young
We will explore adding texture to weaving through the use of pick up sticks. And by the end of class, weavers will have their one-of-a-kind project to take home.
Reina Young is a multi media artist based in Hawaiʻi who specializes in fabric arts, digital illustrations and handmade, artisanal goods. With a background in graphic design, her passion is to create, teach and bring beauty and vibrancy into people’s lives through art and crafting.
Register Online Now through July 16, 2025.
Join us for Hand Brooms with Joan Namkoong.
Simple hand brooms using broom corn and tampico fiber are useful around the house, office and weaving loom for dusting off bits and pieces! Learn to tie a turkey wing broom and a hawk’s tail broom — a simple process that’s fun and quick. You’ll make at least 3 or 4 during our session. All supplies and equipment provided.
Joan Namkoong is a 30 year plus weaver who lives on the Big Island. She weaves and sells functional textiles like scarves, shawls, towels, rugs, runners and yardage for household use. Silk is her favorite thread followed by cotton. Plain weave is used most of the time on her 8- shaft Gilmore loom. She also uses a drawloom to weave complex images and patterns.
Join us for Hand Brooms II with Joan Namkoong.
Tie a broom and add some color and design to your handles using simple techniques and materials. Weave in color , change colors, add a hanging loop and make a potscrubber, all using broom corn (hurl).
All materials and tools provided. Prerequisite: Hand Brooms I.
Register Online Now through July 17, 2025
Join us for Floor Loom Weaving with Joan Namkoong
How is it that you can weave two layers of cloth at the same time? Learn the basics of Doubleweave using 4 shafts on a floor loom. Weave two layers with or without interlocking selvedges, stripes that you can interlock and stuff, color and weave effects, double width cloth and explore the possibilities hand manipulated weaves. Weave a sampler and explore the possilbilities of doubleweave on 4 shafts. Students must be able to set up a floor loom in class.
By the end of class, weavers will have their one-of-a-kind project to take home.
Register Online Now through July 24,17, 2025.
Join us for Rag Rugs with Reina Young
Register Online Now through August 9, 2025.
Join us for Soap Making Naturally with Ghislaine Chock.
Ghislaine has been making her own soaps for over 15 years using the cold process method.
This soap making class will be simple enough for you to want to make soap bars for yourself and your loved ones forever. In the saponification process of making soap, we will use quality oils from plants blended with an alkali (sodium hydroxide, which all soaps contain). No preservatives, no shelf extenders, no chemical detergents, no hardeners or synthetic lathering agents -- in other words, no harsh ingredients will be used. Your homemade soaps will not only benefit your skin but also the environment.
Skill Level: Beginner
There will be an additional supply fee of $45 payable to the instructor on the day of class. The supply fee includes all oils and a silicone soap mold.
Join us for Open Studio Soap Making with Ghislaine Chock.
This open studio has been created to facilitate returning students who wish to make another batch of soap at the DAC studio without having to provide their own oils and equipment. The use of soap colorants, an additional component in soap making, will be presented. All supplies (oils and colorants) and equipment will be provided. Technical guidance from the instructor will be available to support your soap making production. The cleaning of used equipment will be expected.
Required Prerequisite: Soap Making Naturally class with Ghislaine Chock
There will be an additional supply fee of $30 payable to the instructor on the day of class. The supply fee includes all oils, lye, and purified water
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Oʻahu, Maui and Hawaiʻi Island
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Hawaiʻi Handweavers' Hui,
Downtown Art Center,
1041 Nuʻuanu Ave, Second Floor,
Honolulu, HI 96817
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Hawaiʻi Handweavers' Hui is a founding member of the Downtown Art Center. www.downtownarthi.org
Hawaiʻi Handweavers' Hui is supported in part by the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts.