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Register Online Now through July 18, 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.
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.
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 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.
What to bring:
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.
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.
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 20, 2025.
Join us for Market Basket with Elaine Imoto
Join us for Market Basket Weaving with Elaine Imoto
Elaine and her Teachers Assistant are teaching how to weave a basket strong enough to take to the market! The weaving material is recycled industrial packing straps, pulled from our local refuse. The rescued bale straps are cleaned before they are cut to workable lengths and prepackaged for your weaving fun!
Packing straps are woven criss-cross style. Vertical straps are spaced with a quarter inch gap, while horizontal straps are pressed together tightly for structural stability. The sturdy, finished market basket measures 5" wide x 11" long x 9" tall. The instructor will provide pre-cut stakes, weavers and 2 handles for each student, and the supply fee is waived for the recycled materials.
This is an easy beginner project to get you hooked on making more baskets. Students will receive a second basket kit FREE to make at home. It makes a wonderful gift! 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.
Weave, Reuse, Recycle!
For more information on the bale strap project and video on basket making, check out the Eating in Public website: https://nomoola.com/baskets/
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.
Register Online Now through July 24,17, 2025.
Join us for Rag Rugs with Reina Young
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
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 July 26, 2025
Join us for Advanced Rigid Heddle with Helen Rau
In this class, you will warp and weave a dense fabric on the rigid heddle loom. We will be warping on two 10 dent reed heddles which will double your epi and also a pick up stick allowing supplementary design in your weft. One to two projects can be woven on 70” warp with your choice of tea towels, placemats or table runner with 14” in the reed. 8/2 unmercerized cotton will be used for the warp and weft.
Required Prerequisite:
Rigid Heddle Weaving I or similar intermediate experience.
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. 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.
Instructor 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!
Register Online Now through July 30, 2025.
Join us for Woven Ribbons & Straps on the Rigid Heddle with Helen Rau
Join us for a creative and hands-on class where you’ll learn the art of weaving a beautiful, textured ribbon on a rigid heddle loom. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your weaving skills, this class will guide you through the process of transforming yarn into a functional and decorative ribbon.
In this class, you’ll explore the basics of rigid heddle weaving while creating a ribbon that can be used for a variety of projects – from accessories like bookmarks or headbands to embellishments for garments or home decor. We’ll cover techniques for color blending, pattern design, and finishing to ensure that your ribbon is as stunning as it is versatile. All supplies are provided.
Scissors
Artist Bio:
Register Online Now through August 2, 2025.
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 Sunday, Aug 3, 2025
Join us for Taste of Spinning with Laurel Hayama.
A passionate hand-spinner, Laurel will teach students the basics of spinning to create yarn. Participants will be able to try out two different methods by using both a drop spindle and a spinning wheel to produce their own unique yarn.
While this class is geared toward the absolute beginner, all skill levels are welcome. Class size is limited to six students, and we invite anyone to join us.
Drop spindles, and spinning wheels will be available for use. Fiber will be provided, and students will be able to take home the yarn they produce.
This class is open to adults, and not open to minors. 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 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.
Register Online Now through Aug 9, 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.
*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.
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 Aug 11, 2025.
Join us for Card Weaving II with Helen Rau
This card weaving class explores Ram’s Horn, Running Dog and Ivy designs.
In this hands-on class, students will explore the ancient art of card (tablet) weaving using an inkle loom using a threaded-in method set up in 4 hole card.
Designed for beginners and intermediate weavers alike, this class focuses on weaving with 12-24 cards depending on the pattern with 5/2 perle cotton, producing durable and decorative bands.
Card weaving experience is preferred but not required.
Participants will learn how to:
Warp an inkle loom for tablet weaving with a warp length of 80 inches
Threaded- in method and set up 4- 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.
Two pill bottles filled with 55 pennies (5 oz weigh each)
Register Online Now through Aug 16, 2025.
Join us for Card weaving for Beginners 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.
Thread and set up 14-hole cards to create patterns
Knitting stitch holder or safety pin
Register Online Now through August 17, 2025.
Join us for Crochet Rug with Christine Valles
Join us for a hands-on, creative Crochet Rug class designed for beginners and seasoned crafters alike! In this engaging class, participants will learn the fundamental techniques of crochet while creating a beautiful, functional rug for their home.
By the end of the class, each participant will have completed (or made significant progress on) their own custom-made crochet rug. All materials are provided, and you'll leave with the skills and confidence to continue crocheting on your own.
This class is open to all levels ams is beginner-friendly.
Workshop Highlights:
Introduction to crochet tools and materials
How to choose the right yarn and hook for rugs
Basic crochet stitches: chain, single crochet, double crochet
Working in the round and increasing techniques
Pattern reading and troubleshooting tips
Finishing techniques and care for your rug
There will be a $25 supply fee payable to the instructor in the beginning of class. Yarn, crochet hook, written pattern, and handouts
Come learn a relaxing and rewarding craft in a fun, supportive environment. Whether you're looking to decorate your space or make handmade gifts, this workshop is the perfect place to start!
Christine Valles is a crochet artist who recently exhibited in the biennial juried show "In, Of, or About Fiber." Her crochet wall hanging Para Gusto, Hay Colores (For Tastes, There are Colors) received the Recognition Award from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. She is partial to the freeform crochet technique because she can create individual works, or combine them into a larger work of art. This technique allows her to "go with the flow," and she loves not needing to count stitches. She is looking forward to sharing her love of crochet with her students!
Register Online Now through August 23, 2025.
Join us for Color Gamp with Laurel Hayama.
In weaving, a gamp is a sample piece of fabric used to explore different threading, treadling, color, or weave structures. It allows weavers to experiment with various combinations and see how they interact before committing to a larger project.
In this class you will be focusing on different thread color combinations using plain weave though you can also set up for twill or other patterns. You will be able to use this fabric as reference for future projects or you can use it as tea towels, runners or make a vest. Lots of options.
Class level is intermediate. You should be able to make a warp and dress a loom though there is assistance available.
What to Bring
Laurel Hayama graduated with Fiber Arts degree from University of Hawaii, She has been spinning, dyeing and weaving for over 40 years. She grows her own cotton; loves to dye it and then weave colorful pieces with the thread.
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Oʻahu, Maui and Hawaiʻi Island
Address: MAP
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.