Mohair Weaving: Tradition, Function, and Craft

Step away from the screen and into a hands-on craft rooted in tradition, function, and purposeful design.

This course introduces students to the art of mohair weaving through both historical context and practical application. Students will explore the origins of woven fiber equipment in the American West and beyond, gaining insight into how materials, structure, and technique evolved to meet real-world demands.

Rather than focusing on decoration alone, this course emphasizes function-driven design—how tension, fiber selection, width, and pattern all influence strength, durability, and feel. These same principles apply across a wide range of woven goods, from utility straps to belts and bands.

Students will learn to weave on a traditional loom, building a complete project from start to finish while developing an understanding of the “why” behind each step. The goal is not just to follow abpattern, but to understand how and why the structure works.

Students will leave with a finished woven piece, the loom and tools used in class, and an instructional book for continued work—along with the skills to create durable, functional items built to last.