Advanced Rya Tapestry Weaving with Laura Berlage

Experience ASI / Events Calendar
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Nordic Handcraft

Instructor: Laura Berlage

Cost: $300 ($280 ASI Member), includes kit ($150 value)

Register
Friday, March 13 | 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

This class runs five Fridays, March 13-April 10, from 2-4 pm Central Time each session.

Build skills in the Scandinavian textile technique of rya, featured in ASI’s 2026 exhibitions Handwoven: Between Chaos and Order and Nordic Echoes. This five-week virtual class invites students with previous geometric tapestry experience to explore the rya technique on tapestry weaving, resulting in a two-sided pattern visible on both the flat tapestry side and the pile side. Students will work alongside Laura Berlage over the five sessions to learn the Ghiordes knot for creating the fluffy pile side, as well as practice good weaving technique and best practices overall.

The finished piece (about 10” square) can be displayed in either direction and makes a great wall hanging, chair pad, or pillow cover. Each kit includes hand-dyed yarn from the instructor’s own sheep; students provide their own loom and warp. Expect some homework between classes to finish the project in five weeks.

Registration for this kit-based class closes February 23.

Additional class information:

  • Kits ($150 value) are included in the class fee.  Each kit includes the design, wool yarn from the instructor’s sheep, digital instructions, and a specialized rya-making dowel tool.
  • Students need to provide their own loom (from a previous tapestry course with Laura or another loom of their choice) as well as small tools and warp. Laura suggests Maysville cotton carpet warp (8/4), but students may use a sturdy but not too thick warp of their choice.  Kits will be available for pick up at the American Swedish Institute from March 5 or can be shipped for an additional $10 fee.
  • Skill level: Previous geometric tapestry experience, such as Laura’s Intro to Tapestry Level 2 course.
  • Ages: Suitable for ages 16+.
  • Virtual class info:  This is a live virtual class taught over Zoom. Students need a strong internet connection and a device with video capabilities. Additional instructional pdfs and tutorials will be provided by the instructor.