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Register Online Now through October 8, 2025.
Join us for Rigid Heddle Weaving I with Reina Young
This class introduces new weavers to the portable rigid heddle loom. Weavers have the option to create a scarf, table runner, or placemats. We will go over different pattern techniques, play with color palettes, experiment with various fibers, and learn how to warp and dress the loom.
The rigid heddle loom is essentially a rectangular, wooden frame loom. However, it differs from the simple frame looms that are now readily available and often used for tapestry, as it has space for a heddle/reed, making it capable of producing sheds (gaps or spaces) to weave through. It is a 2 shaft loom, but has further reaching capabilities.
This class is open to any skill level. There will be an additional supply fee of $20, to include yarn and weaving tools, payable to the instructor on the first day of class. All supplies and materials will be provided.
What to Bring:
Instructor Bio
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.
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, 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.
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 October 18, 2025
Join us for Basic Loom Weaving with Joan Namkoong
A basic class for people who want to learn how to set up a loom and weave cloth. On the first day, you will set up a 4 shaft table loom: measuring a warp and beaming it on the loom, threading the heddles, sleying the reed and tying on to the front beam. Then you’ll weave cloth – plain weave, twill, basket weave and more.
On day two you will continue your weaving exploration so you can take home handwoven cloth that you’ve made from start to finish.
Students can take their looms home for the week between classes to explore on their own. A $100 deposit will be required, payable in cash or check on the first day.
Joan Namkoong is a production hand weaver in Kamuela, Hawaiʻi. She weaves with fine silk for shawls and scarves, cotton for towels, rugs and placemats. An 8 shaft Gilmore loom is used for most of her textile products; a 10 shaft Glimakra loom with a drawloom attachment is used for special projects with geometric designs. Color and texture are her primary design components in plain weave and twill structures – her goal is to create visually beautiful cloth with a nice hand that is suitable for its purpose. Joan teaches weaving for the Hawaiʻi Handweavers’ Hui at the Downtown Art Center in Honolulu and also on the Big Island.
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Register Online Now through October 25, 2025.
Join us for Beginner Basket Weaving with Cynthia McCreedy
Learn to make a simple round basket! We will make one or two small baskets using natural and dyed round reed.
No weaving experience necessary. There is a $10 supply fee payable to the instructor at the beginning of the class. It includes the reed necessary for making one or two round baskets.
What to bring:
*The instructor will bring a few pairs to share during the class, if you do not own any.
Cynthia McCreedy began her journey as a weaver in 1973 when she took a basket making class. She soon went from basket weaving to loom weaving, attending weaving and fiber arts classes at Instituto Allende in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. She still loves to learn new weaving techniques in both basket and loom weaving, as she continues on her lifelong weaving journey.
Register Online Now through Oct 28, 2025
Join us for Inkle Loom Band Weaving with Barbara Long.
Come play with color and yarn while learning to thread and weave on an inkle loom. We will briefly discuss the history and uses of band weaving while introducing and move on to color, design, threading and weaving.
Weave with colors of your choice using yarn from the studio and the instructor's stash. Colors are the stars in inkle weaving. Looms may be taken home allowing students to make multiple projects during the class. Given time and interest, we will also cover pickup patterns and finishing options, including the use of hardware. Students will leave with completed band(s), instructions for warping and weaving, and a resource list for exploring further.
Dress comfortably, if you are easily chilled, bring a sweater as the room is air conditioned. All supplies are included in the price of the class.
Instructor Bio:
Barbara's interest in the magic of turning simple threads into fabric is life long. She especially enjoys small and simple tools, color, and seeing eyes light up in others as they discover the delight of creating objects fun and beautiful with thread.
Register Online Now through Nov 1, 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.
Join us for Sewing 101 with Kye Harford
This entry-level sewing class is geared towards ones that want to start sewing as a hobby or up their sewing skills and looking to skip the hassle of spending hours reading the operation manual or watching YouTube tutorials only to be frustrated and lose motivation. Participants will learn to sew a coaster and/or mini tote by the end of the class.
This class covers: - operating a sewing machine and its basic functions - purposes & uses of the different stitch types - straight stitching - basic machine maintenance - troubleshooting - essential sewing notions/tools - making a coaster & mini tote bag
There will be an additional supply fee of $15 payable to the instructor on the day of class. The supply fee covers sewing notions and fabrics to make a coaster and mini tote bag.
This class is open to any skill level.
Kye Harford is a designer who started his sewing journey during the pandemic in 2020 and established a brand in Hilo with "sustainable creation" as the core concept. He currently focuses on creating wearable pieces and sharing the importance of this craft/skill. His other work includes natural dyeing, garment alterations and repairs as well as custom work.
Register Online Now through November 2, 2025.
Join us for Coil Bowl with Reina Young
Design a pattern, stitch and weave a coil bowl that will be perfect for holding jewelry, keys and small items on your desk or countertop. Once you learn the basic stitches and techniques, you’ll be creating colorful bowls that will add an artisanal touch to your everyday things.
There will be an additional supply fee of $10 payable to the instructor on the day of class. All supplies will be provided but if you would like to bring your own yarn, you may.
A multi media artist based in Hawaiʻi, Reina Young 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 November 8, 2025.
Join us for Market Basket with Elaine Imoto
Weave a market basket using industrial waste rescued from the dumpster. The bale straps are cleaned, cut to workable lengths and prepackaged for your weaving fun!
Seven long length straps are woven criss-cross style with 19 shorter length straps. Vertical straps are spaced with a quarter inch gap, while horizontal straps are pressed together tightly for structural stability. The sturdy, finished basket measures 5.5" wide by 9.5" long.
This is an easy beginner project to get you hooked on making more baskets. Extra kits will be sold at class (if available). Elaine is teaching techniques learned from Professor Gaye Chan's demo during the 12-2021 Artists of Hawaiʻi Now exhibition held at the Honolulu Museum of Art.
An Introductory 8" round beginner basket kits will be given. Afternoon instructions are for handles. Students can start the market basket base in class as time allows and beginners will finish at home.
Weave, Reuse, Recycle!
Notes:
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM: basket is completed
12:30 - 1:00: Lunch
1:00 to 3:00 PM: Handle weaving and attaching to basket
Photo: Elaine with happy basket makers from our March, Mini Picnic Basket class.
A long time Honolulu Museum of Art (HOMA) volunteer, Elaine Imoto learned to weave baskets with bale straps from Professor Gaye Chan of University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Imoto took Chan’s reuse & recycle class in the December 2021 HOMA Artists of Hawaii Now program at which these weaving materials (the bales) were handed out.
This class is open to adults from age 18. Those registering for a Hawaiʻi Handweavers’ Hui class may add one guest based on availability.
Register Online Now through November 9, 2025.
Join us for Reverse Tie Dye with Kilikina.
Reverse Tie Dye is a technique where color is removed from a black shirt using a chemical color remover and hot water. The fabric may be left as is, or dyed more, using colored fiber reactive dyes. Various tying and binding resist techniques will be introduced, including the scrunch, the stripe, rings, the spider and the spiral.
Students may bring up to 5 BLACK items to dye (100%cotton recommended).
Finished dyed items will be placed in ziploc bags. For best results, items should cure for 24 hours then be rinsed, washed and dried at home.
An additional $40 supply fee will be due to the instructor at the beginning of class
Supply Fee Includes:
Dyes, chemicals and use of all tools and supplies
Latex gloves
up to 5 BLACK 100% cotton shirts or other items to dye.
Waterproof apron (optional)
Mask (optional)
Gallon sized ziplock bags for each of the items you plan to dye
Dishwashing gloves
Disposable old towels, t- shirts, or rags
Personal snacks and drinks
$40 supply fee (cash or credit)
Wear comfortable footwear & clothes that you wouldn't mind getting a tiny colored splash on. It’s recommended 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 Nov 9, 2025.
Join us for Fabric Slippers with Linda Hee & Maile Sakamoto
Come learn how to make slippers like your grandma wore and use up old t-shirts at the same time! We’ll be making woven Japanese slippers using t-shirt strips and rope. While weaving the slippers you will learn basic weft faced techniques to create patterns and designs. Open to all skill levels and beginner friendly!
There will be an additional $10 supply fee due at the beginning of class to the instructors
Supply fee includes:
Instructor Bios:
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.
Maile likes to learn new fun things that make great gifts, and especially ones that use up scraps!
This class is open to adults from age 18.
Register Online Now through November 15, 2025
Join us for Boro Sashiko with Kye Harford.
Celebrate sustainability, creativity, and history through Boro Sashiko, a traditional Japanese textile practice that transforms worn fabrics into works of art. “Boro” means “tattered” or “repaired,” and when combined with Sashiko stitching—a form of decorative reinforcement—it becomes a meditative, layered technique for mending, patching, and beautifying textiles.
In this class, participants will learn how to piece together fabric scraps using simple running stitches to create richly textured surfaces that honor imperfection and resourcefulness. Students will explore traditional and modern approaches to Boro, experiment with composition and color, and complete a small textile piece suitable for display, clothing repair, or home décor. The supply fee will include all supplies but feel free to bring scraps of fabrics you’d like to use.
Register Online Now through Nov 20, 2025.
Join us for Macramé Keychains with Nikki Chin.
Learn to make macramé keychains, a perfect handmade Christmas gift!
Join us for a fun and relaxing macramé keychain class where you’ll learn the art of knotting beautiful designs using simple techniques. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll create stylish, personalized keychains and/or ornaments — perfect as thoughtful, handmade Christmas gifts for friends and family.
All materials are provided, and no experience is needed. Come get creative, enjoy some festive vibes, and leave with unique pieces made by you!
There will be an additional supply fee of $25 paid to the instructor at the beginning of class.
Metal hardware for keychain
A wide selection of colorful cords
Expert instruction and hands-on guidance
“I’m a 55-year-old jewelry enthusiast with a long love for crafting. By day, I work in the medical supply field, but my true creative joy comes from making beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces. Over the years, I’ve explored many forms of jewelry making, from intricate wire wrapping with crystals and shells to colorful macramé designs. Recently, macramé earrings have become one of my favorite ways to combine texture, color, and artistry—and I can’t wait to share my passion and techniques with you.” -Nikki Chen
Register Online Now through November 22, 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.
Register Online Now through November 23, 2025.
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
Register Online Now through November 29, 2025.
Join us for Eco Dye Scarf II with Jena Hayama.
Bring Your Own flowers and Plants (BYOP) to create a unique botanical silk scarf.
Eco dyeing is a special technique that uses the natural pigments of plants to imprint color and images onto fabric. Local plants and flowers in season are wrapped into bundles and then steamed to print onto silk scarves.
Successful eco-printing using this method requires knowledge of (and access to) plants that are rich in tannins and natural dyes.
But what if you don’t have these plants?
In this class, we will use a “blanket” prepared with acid dye to create both positive and negative botanical prints on a silk scarf. This technique produces a scarf with a vivid background color and dramatic plant silhouettes. Plants may or may not have natural dye properties.
In other words, “ANY KINE” PLANT will work!
Bring your own flowers and leaves, especially ones with distinctive or unique silhouettes, and leave with your very own botanical printed silk scarf.
Experience with basic eco-dyeing technique is helpful, but not required.
There will be a $20 supply fee that includes one habotai silk scarf, dye supplies (iron mordant, prepared dye blanket, citric acid solution, plastic wrap, etc.) supplied and payable to the instructor on the day of class.
Jena Hayama (aka J. Tanuki) is a "dye explorer" who experiments with locally grown plants in Hawaiʻi to dye fibers and make clothes, among other things.
You can see her work on Instagram under the handle @tanukiheadquarters
Register Online Now through November 30, 2025.
Join us for Bag Charm with Elaine Imoto
Create your own elegant bag charm blending Italian craftsmanship with Japanese artistry. In this class, you’ll design a unique accessory featuring a blue Italian-style ceramic bead as the centerpiece, complemented by chirimen (Japanese crepe fabric) branches you’ll hand-sew for texture and color.
To personalize your creation, you’ll have the option to create another bag charm with a tiger cloisonné pendant (pictured below), symbolizing strength and courage, or choose from alternative accent charms for a custom touch.
Perfect for beginners to intermediate crafters who love combining cultures, textures, and symbolism into wearable art.
What you’ll learn:
• Basics of charm design and assembly
• Techniques for sewing and shaping chirimen fabric branches
• How to securely attach beads, findings, and charms for durability and balance
Instructor will provide:
Join us for Punch Needling with Reina Young
Slow down and get creative with punch needling — a fun and relaxing fiber art that turns simple yarn into soft, textured designs. In this class, you’ll learn how to use a punch needle tool to “paint” with loops of yarn, creating a small wall hanging, patch, or decorative piece to take home.
We’ll walk you through everything from choosing your materials and setting up your frame to mastering basic stitches and finishing your work. You’ll also explore ways to play with color, texture, and design to make your piece truly your own.
There will be an additional $10 supply fee due to the instructor in the beginning of class. Supply fee includes:
Come for the craft, stay for the calm — and leave with something beautiful you made yourself.
Register Online Now through December 7, 2025.
Join us for Origami Wreath with Elaine Imoto
Join us for a creative and engaging class where you’ll learn how to make a beautiful origami wreath using colorful paper and simple folding techniques! In this hands-on session, you’ll discover how to fold modular origami units and assemble them into a stunning circular wreath — perfect for decorating your home, gifting, or celebrating special occasions.
No prior origami experience is required! All skill levels are welcome. Step-by-step guidance will be provided, and you’ll leave with your very own handmade paper wreath and the skills to create more at home.
What You’ll Learn:
Materials Provided:
All origami paper and supplies will be provided — just bring your creativity and enthusiasm!
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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.