Introduction to Irish Pairing weave: 2 day course
DATES: Tuesday 16th + Wednesday 17th March 2027
TIMES: 9.30am - 4.30pm each day
Please arrive from 9.30 for tea/coffee, to begin at 10am
VENUE: Arch 27, Croft Road, Worcester City Centre, WR1 3NZ
Course Overview
This 2-day workshop is an opportunity for intermediate makers to learn Irish Pairing, a distinctive weaving pattern also known as Irish Weave or Mouth-wale weave.
The pattern is a contemporary adaptation based on a traditional weave used on Irish creels, and creates a strong and characterful finish. The course is designed as an introduction to the technique, giving you time to understand how the weave works and practise it while making a small-to-medium-sized basket.
Over the 2 days, you'll make a basket with either a straight or inward shape, allowing you to focus on learning the Irish Pairing technique and developing confidence with the weave. You’ll need to be confident with French Randing and Waling to attend this course (knowing how to do these weaving patterns independently without guidance)
A follow-up, in-depth study of the variations of the weave, including how to apply it to curved basket shapes, will be offered in 2028.
Experience: Intermediate/experienced makers
You’ll need to be confident with French Randing and Waling to attend this course (knowing how to do these weaving patterns independently without guidance).
Participants must be 18 years of older or older to attend our courses. Please feel free to contact us directly if you have questions or if you’re wondering whether this course is for you: info@hopewood.co
Day One – Making the base and preparing the basket
You’ll begin by selecting, sorting and grading the willow ready for weaving – an important skill for creating a balanced basket. You’ll then make the base of your basket, before selecting and preparing the willow for the uprights and inserting them.
We’ll spend time discussing the different options for shaping your basket. The basket shown is just one example, and your finished basket may have either a straight or inward shape.
If time allows, we’ll begin weaving the upsett, preparing the basket for the Irish Pairing weave on day two.
Day Two – Learning the Irish Pairing weave
We’ll begin by completing the bottom band of waling before learning the Irish Pairing weave. You’ll have time to practise the pattern and develop an understanding of how the weave is constructed as you work your way around the basket.
Once the Irish Pairing is complete, we’ll add a top band of waling before finishing the basket with either a rod border or trac border.
If time allows, you can add a willow or leather handle.
What you need to bring
Please bring a packed lunch. Please wear warm clothes you don't mind getting messy, and bring extra layers (we will be working in a large open space).
What's included
Materials and use of tools. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available throughout the day.
Cancellation
Within 14 days of booking: a full refund.
After 14 days of placing a booking: a refund will only be issued if we can rebook your place, in which case you’ll receive a full refund (minus a £20 administration fee).
Bookings cannot be transferred. We will make reasonable efforts to rebook cancelled places but cannot guarantee this.
Accessibility:
Willow weaving is physically active in all areas. It can particularly hard on the hands, so is unsuitable for those who suffer from arthritis or other conditions that affect the hands. Courses will involve working at many levels, including bending down to the floor, working on laps or standing, and working seated at tables. If you have any physical difficulties in any of these areas, we advise you to contact us before booking.
By purchasing a place(s) on our course you are agreeing to our full Terms and Conditions (link below).