Loom Weaving Course

This five-day loom weaving course focuses primarily on developing practical weaving skills. Participants will learn the fundamentals of plain and weft rib weave from linen and cotton, as well as decorative techniques such as single and multi-coloured broché.  The course draws inspiration from traditional textiles from different regions of Slovakia, with a brief introduction to the historical background of weaving in the country to provide cultural context. Particular attention will be given to characteristic geometric and plant motifs found in regional textiles. As part of the program, participants will also weave a rag rug using recycled textile materials, reflecting a sustainable approach to working with resources.

The course is suitable for beginners as well as participants with some basic experience and follows the quality standards of the Erasmus+ programme. It will be led by experienced weaving instructor Zuzana Bakičová.

The course combines hands-on craft practice with cultural context and offers an authentic studio experience within the ÚĽUV´s School of Crafts. Established in 1999, the school is included in the UNESCO Register of Good Safeguarding Practices for Intangible Cultural Heritage.

ÚĽUV is a state organization dedicated to preserving and developing traditional crafts in Slovakia and has been fulfilling this mission for more than 80 years.

Level: beginners and slightly advanced participants
Language: English

Course dates: 10 –14 August 2026
Time: 9:00–16:00 (12:00–13:00 lunch break)

Venue: Regional Craft Centre ÚĽUV, Dolná 14, 974 01 Banská Bystrica, Slovakia
(https://goo.gl/maps/U6yJXcTuNw2DBjQ88

Application deadline: 20 June 2026
The workshop will take place only if the minimum number of participants (5 person) is reached.

Total duration: 30 hours
Number of participants: 5 persons

Course objectives: The course aims to develop practical skills in traditional weaving and provide an understanding of textile patterning techniques rooted in regional traditions. Participants will weave a rag rug and learn basic weaving structures (plain weave and rib weave) as well as decorative patterning techniques such as brocading and pick-up weaving.

Program:

Daily schedule: 6 hours per day (the exact timetable will be adjusted according to the group).

Day 1

• Welcome and introduction of participants, presentation of the instructor and course program.
• Theoretical introduction to the history of weaving in Slovakia.
• Introduction to tools, materials and workplace safety.
• Basics of weaving – learning the plain weave.
• Weaving a rag rug from recycled textile materials and experimenting with pattern variations using multiple wefts and colour combinations.

Day 2

• Pattern design in plain weave using the single coloured broché – geometric motifs such as squares, blocks and stars.
• Inspiration from traditional textiles of the Horehronie region (Central Slovakia).

Day 3

• Pattern design in plain weave using the multi-coloured broché technique – colorful plant motifs.
• Inspiration from textiles from the regions of Zvolen and Krupina (Central Slovakia).

Day 4

• Introduction to weft rib weave.
• Inspiration from traditional textiles from Ždiar (Eastern Slovakia).

Day 5

• Pattern design in weft rib weave using the broché technique.
• Inspiration from textiles from the region around Trnava (Western Slovakia).
• Finishing work, evaluation and group reflection.

The course fee includes:

• expert weaving instruction and hands-on skill development
• all materials (linen, cotton and recycled textiles)
• study materials
• use of looms and weaving tools
• a loaned working apron during the course
• expert interpretation of regional weaving techniques
• a certificate of course completion

Lunch is not included in the course fee.

Target group:

• students of art, design and education
• textile artists and fashion designers
• interior designers and makers of home accessories
• craftspeople interested in traditional techniques
• staff of cultural and community centers
• instructors in non-formal education
• enthusiasts of traditional crafts and folklore
• people interested in slow fashion, sustainability and natural materials
• anyone who would like to develop manual skills, creativity and patience.

About the instructor:

Zuzana Bakičová has been creating under the brand ZuzikaB design since 2020. In her work she revives traditional weaving techniques and translates them into a contemporary visual language. She works with plain, rib and twill weaves, experiments with warp dyeing and incorporates regional folk motifs from different parts of Slovakia. She is the recipient of several international and Czechoslovak weaving awards (SWASM 2021, 2022; Czechoslovak Weaving Competition 2021, 2023). Since 2023 she has been working as a loom weaving instructor at ÚĽUV, leading courses for adults both in Slovakia and abroad.

In her teaching she combines professional expertise with an individual approach and a strong commitment to preserving intangible cultural heritage.

The course offers an authentic small-group learning experience, encourages intercultural exchange, and develops patience, creativity and technical thinking through the practice of traditional craft.

Additional information: ÚĽUV can assist participants with advice on transport connections, accommodation and optional leisure activities in Banská Bystrica.
Contact: In the case of any questions or comments contact us at: courses@uluv.sk