I ran several 5 week tapestry crochet courses at the Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre in Walton-on-Thames where my students were able to make a full sized “Columbian bag” over the course of the weeks. They learnt all the basic techniques and were then encouraged to design their own bag or make one from a pattern. After many requests, I am now able to offer a Tapestry Crochet Day Course where you can learn some of the techniques used to create a Wayuu or “mochila” style bag. I have designed a cotton “mini-bag” project that incorporates many of these techniques so the student can practise and master this beautiful and very useful, crochet art-form.

Course Overview

Brief overview of bag construction & materials used.
How the bottom of the bag is made and basic principles of base design.
Getting started with your own bag.
Adding and changing colours – mastering the tapestry crochet stitch.
Making the sides of the bag – reading charts, designing your own patterns.
How to manage multiple skeins of yarn without tangling.
Making eyelets for the cord fastening.
Using crab stitch or reverse single crochet borders to reinforce and add stability and shape to the top and bottom of the bag.
Mastering two coloured crab stitch or reverse single crochet.
Making a simple cord.
How to make quick and easy tassels.
Tips for lining the bags.
Design options – examples of & ideas for projects using tapestry stitch.

three images showing the start of a crochet tapestry back, detail of a chevron design and tassels on a wayuu style bag

Schedule

Typically, the course is 5 hours long, with a 1 hour lunch break.
e.g. 10:00 – 12:30 Crochet, 12:30 – 13:30 Lunch, 13:30 – 16:00 Crochet

Class Size

I teach a maximum of 8 students in one class.

Class Format

All my classes come with detailed class notes and pattern. I provide samples and practical demonstrations of all techniques, helping and encouraging students with hands on assistance so that they can feel confident with their new found skills. Along with the class notes, the students should be able to continue & complete their mini project in the comfort of their own home, with relative ease. I am also happy to offer help by email, after the course, should any student have any questions.

Skill Level

Students must be competent with basic crochet techniques, particularly chaining & single crochet (UK double).

Three images showing crochet tutor and student, example of class notes and student crocheting a bag during class

Materials & Tools

I provide suitable cotton yarn for the project – I have a large selection of colours to choose from, so there should be something to suit all tastes.
The students will also need locking stitch markers and 2.5mm crochet hooks.
I can provide all of the above separately or as a kit, which can be incorporated into the overall cost of the course or as an extra payment on the day, per student.

Areas Covered

I am based in Surrey, and I’m willing to travel to London and most of the home counties. I have taught in Buckinghamshire, London, Berkshire, Middlesex & Sussex. I’ am always happy to consider locations further afield.

Fees & Availability

Please message me through my contact form for my fee structure and availability for this Tapestry Crochet Day Course.

For our next project, we’ll be learning about “Broomstick Crochet”. This is a fun & easy technique that works up quickly. After the first couple of weeks you should have built up enough skills in the technique to tackle something simple like a shawl or wrap or even challenge yourself with something a little more complex such as a garment. Either way, I’m sure you’ll be glad you tried this very enjoyable crochet technique.

We’ll be covering:

The types of yarn that work best with broomstick crochet.
Classic peacock eye stitch and straight stitch.
Cross stitch and mountain stitch.
Combining standard crochet stitches with broomstick.
Increasing and decreasing.
Seaming.
Basic garment construction.

Duration: 5 weeks
Dates: 11th June – 9th July 2018
Time/date: 8:00-10:00pm every Monday
Venue: The Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre, Walton-on-Thames, KT12 2PF

Cost: £50 (for 5 weeks) – not including materials

All you need for the first class is some yarn – something easy to work with, such as DK cotton, but do also bring any other yarn you might have as this technique can look good in a variety of yarns. DK, aran, worsted or even a chunky yarn and colour changing yarn can also look great. There are lots of ways to experiment with this once you’ve got the hang of it. However, as usual, I would avoid black & very dark yarns as it’s difficult to see what’s what.

I will bring the Broomstick needles – they are £2.53 each – size 20mm.
Also, please bring a range of hooks suitable for the yarn you have… i.e. 3-4mm for DK, 4-5mm for worsted & 6-7mm for chunky.

Booking form is here: https://goo.gl/forms/vxdQmkjqjlkfHXdf2

Please get in touch if you have any questions – mezzamay at icloud dot com

Tapestry Crochet – Day Course