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Weft pile adds interesting textures to textiles. Rugs and tapestries benefit from pile weaves as well as fabrics such as upholstery, pillows, bed coverings and even outer wear. Weft piles differ from warp pile weaves such as corduroy and velvet in that the weft creates the texture. This class consists of variations of weft pile techniques such as knotted cut pile, looped pile including pull-up loops and knotted loops and even velveteen! Options also include a combination of textures and pile heights. Class participants will work on their own looms with an opportunity to collaborate with other students. This is a self-paced class with students open to pick and choose which techniques they wish to concentrate on.
This is a two day, 6 hours each day class.
Level: ability to warp a loom
Ages: 14+
Materials Fee (included in class cost): $12 for color illustrated instruction booklet
Options: none
Please Bring:
- rigid heddle, 4 harness table or floor loom, dressed and ready to weave
- warp yarn can be any of the following: 8/4 cotton carpet warp, 3/2 cotton, 8/5 linen, 12/9 cotton seine twine
- warp should measure a minimum of 8 inches weaving width on the loom and a minimum of 2 yards
- sett appropriate to weft faced dominate
- thread warp for plain weave
- a variety of wool weaving yarns for weft, including novelty yarns. No yarns larger than knitting DK or Sport weight.
- several stick shuttles and/or several bobbins and a boat shuttle
- any size (or a variety) straight knitting needle (aluminum or wood) a minimum of 1 inch longer than weaving warp width
- crochet hook appropriate size for weft
- tapestry fork or table fork (eating utensil)
- scissors
- tapestry needle
- pencil and paper to take notes
- anything else that helps you with your weaving such as reader glasses and a small light
To Do BEFORE Class: warp loom for plain weave
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This Class will be held in Classroom Area: 8
Date/Time: Fri April 17 9am - noon AND 2pm - 5pm AND Sat April 18 9am - noon AND 2pm - 5pm
Please arrive at Class Check-In at least 10 minutes early to receive your Nametag and find your class area.
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Weft Pile Techniques for Rugs and Textiles with Dawn Ahlert (Fri & Sat All Day)
Instructor Bio
Like many of us, Dawn began exploring the fiber arts at a young age. Her passion for learning and fiber arts has driven her to explore many areas of the medium and Dawn’s years as a hairstylist contribute to her deep understanding of fiber and color. Dawn received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting and drawing from the University of Central Florida and a Master of Fine Arts degree in painting from Montana State University in 2000. Dawn earned The Handweavers Guild of America’s Certificate of Excellence for Level 1: Technical Skills in Handweaving in 2020, and Level 2: Master Weaver in 2022. She has also received the HGA’s Award that honors outstanding exhibited works of fiber art and first place in HGA’s Wearable Art Exhibition at Convergence in 2024. Dawn is a member of the Southwest Montana Fiber Arts Guild, the Helena Spinners and Weavers Guild, and the current president of the Montana Association of Weavers and Spinners (MAWS). Dawn is excited to continue to share her knowledge through teaching and conducting workshops in weaving and spinning.
Cancellation / Refund Policy
In the unfortunate event you need to cancel your registration, please contact the Great Basin Fiber Arts Fair team at greatbasinfiberartsfair@gmail.com or by calling 385-429-3201.
Please note: Full refunds are available until February 28, 2026. After February 28th, we will refund 50% of the class fee, and after March 31st, 2026, refunds are no longer available, unless you can find someone to take the class in your place.
Transfers to other classes will be approved on an individual basis.