The imagination can be freed working with textiles, where fiber art techniques such as shibori, batik, silk-painting, or block-printing can be adapted from global traditions, cultural symbolism, or the human imperative for mark-making.
Located on the two floors of the Priest's House on the Ursuline Campus, our 50 floor looms are considered to be the largest teaching collection in the U.S., and are enjoyed by an active community of adult student weavers.
Classes not listed here will either have required materials in the class description, discuss needed materials during the first class, or the materials will be supplied.
Class details (meeting times, tuition, etc.) are listed below.
View Materials List Class Guidelines
A limited number of scholarships for tuition assistance are available for classes in the Fibers Department. Adults interested in studying fibers may apply for tuition assistance by submitting the application form and contacting Casey Galloway, casey.galloway@utsa.edu.
Studio Practices: Limited open studio time for students enrolled in weaving classes will be determined at the beginning of each term; dates and times will be discussed in class and posted for students. For fiber related workshop classes, studio use is only permitted during the time of the workshop dates.
Classes are open-enrollment to the community. Class registration is a simple process. Read 'How to Register' below to get started. Click here to view all registration policies and guidelines, including information on payments, class withdraws and cancellations, refunds, and more.
Learn the fundamentals of weaving on a four-shaft loom. This foundation class focuses on loom set up, understanding basic weave patterns (plain weave and twill variations), double weave construction and material considerations. Creating sound structure and developing good weaving habits will be emphasized. Reading drafts will also be covered. Each student will have the exclusive use of a floor loom for the semester.
This program is designed for intermediate and advanced student-artists who wish to pursue their own direction in weaving. Acquiring new structural and manual skills and exploring new materials will be emphasized. Individual planning sessions along with some group instruction will allow students to proceed at their own pace. Each weaver will have exclusive use of one of the Fibers Department’s large collection of floor looms and three-week use of the dye lab.
This intensive two-day class will lead students step-by-step through traditional flat tapestry weaving techniques. Tapestry is the most basic of weave structures; it offers the artist a wide range of visual possibilities. Students will learn how to prepare a warp and weave simple shapes. The class is designed for both beginners and those with experience wishing to refresh their skills.
Discover the art of cyanotype and transform natural fibers into stunning photographs. In this class, you’ll blend art and science by harnessing the sun’s rays to create unique textile pieces and wearable art. You’ll explore the history and science of cyanotype, learn to mix and handle non-toxic chemicals, and experiment with various fibers. Embrace sustainability by turning gently used clothing into your own beautiful creations.
Explore basketry as a medium of free-form sculpture in this special visiting artist workshop with this visiting artist. This class is designed to focus on a learned skill rather than a final product and the possibilities are endless! Westrup will demo the tools, materials, techniques, and approaches she uses to twine arched baskets. On day one, prepping reeds for spokes and weavers, twining, starting an open bottom basket and closed bottom basket, and backward twining wedges will be covered. On the second day, explore finishing the lip of the basket, finishing it off, and enjoy a show-and-tell. Other materials & media for twining and surface will be briefly discussed. Time outside of class may be needed to finish your basket.
There are great commercial patterns available. However, they don’t fit all body types. This class will teach you how make changes to commercial patterns so they fit you properly. Students should bring at least one commercial pattern with them to alter and your personal measurements.
Get a rare insight into an artist’s work with this special community project as part of the annual Debbie McMahon Fiber Symposium. Participants will learn about Korver’s work and experience hands-on practice as they create an individual piece incorporating photo embroidery. Each student will embroider an 8 x 10-inch piece, work created in the workshop will be part of an exhibition showcasing the Community Project in November 2025. At the conclusion of the exhibition, participants will receive their piece to keep.