Tablet Weaving: Warping with Unique Yarns - An Inquiry into the Curious Behavior of Unusual Fibers 2026

IN PERSON REGISTRATION ONLY. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS CLASS, PLEASE STOP BY THE REGISTRATION DESK AT LEAST 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO THE CLASS START TIME.

Class Time: Saturday, April 25, 2026 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM with 1 hour break

Location: St. Louis Community College - Meramec Campus, 11333 Big Bend Road, Kirkwood, MO 63122. Check in at Registration 15 minutes prior to class starting at PE Building for location.

Room: Student Center, Room 125

CONTACT NOTE: Failure to provide your email address and/or opt out of marketing updates will result in no communication from the Festival about updates or from your  instructor. Our system does not permit us to reach you through other means. If you choose to decline and do not provide an email address, please ensure that all necessary details have been noted down.

The class fee includes admission to the Vendor Marketplace every day of the festival; April 24 - 26, 2026.

Instructor: John Mullarkey (Instagram @malarky.crafts)

While cotton threads behave with the reliability of a well-kept tablet weaving, more eccentric materials like bouclé, mylar, and other unconventional yarns often present themselves as puzzles worthy of Sherlock Holmes' attention. In this investigative workshop, we will examine these unusual suspects and determine how best to tame them for tablet weaving.

Students will warp a threaded-in pattern while putting various experimental fibers under scrutiny. Together, we shall deduce:
- How different fibers respond to tension, twist, and card rotation
- What special handling methods are required for temperamental yarns
- How to balance unusual materials with more stable companions
- Strategies to make nearly any yarn behave, at least long enough to be woven

Bring your most perplexing yarns, and we will unravel their mysteries one by one. This workshop is perfectly suited for curious minds of all experience levels and even beginners eager to embark on their first weaving adventure.

Skill Prerequisite: Experience tablet weaving threaded-in designs is preferred. This class would be an entry level class as well.

Ages: 18+

Supplies:

Included in Class Cost: Handouts

Additional Supplies Needed: 

• Inkle-style loom (Note: Ashford Inklet is too small to tablet weave on)
• 20 four-hole cards
• Belt shuttle
• Scissors
• Three balls or cones of mercerized or unmercerized cotton (10/2 to 5/2) or #10 crochet thread, in three distinct colors, at least ½ ounce each
• Any unusual yarns you wish to investigate—bouclé, mylar, novelties, and other mysterious fibers are all welcome

Supplies can be purchased at Yarncom. Inkle Looms can be special ordered if out of stock.

Homework: None.

Class Policies

• The class minimum is 4 students. If we are unable to fill these spots, we will cancel the class and provide a full refund.
• By signing up for this class, you have admission to Friday Night Vendor Marketplace Preview.
• If a class is sold out, click here to be placed on the Wait List.
• No refunds will be issued after April 1, 2025.
  
• For any cancellations prior to April 1, 2025, a $25 administrative fee will be assessed.

Photo Credit: John Mullarkey