Weaving Workshop in Sardinia

Abstract:  Thanks to the use of a horizontal loom, our weaving workshop gives you the first steps to learn the time honored techniques of

The art of weaving is found all over the world, some historians proclaim that it wasn’t humanity to invent weaving but actually it was weaving that brought humanity to life, with its difference in respect to other animal forms. 

Even today, after two centuries of the industrial revolution, many people are still attracted to the art of weaving and to continue the techniques and knowledge of manual weaving.  Depending on the region of Sardinia, from town to town, methods and types of looms change, in fact Sardinia’s wealth of tradition gives home to such a rich difference in weaving styles and manufacts.  Even if it’s true that in the past fifty years, there has been a serious decline in this art, which before was common among women, it continues to survive and my workshop intends to do this very thing, keep this art vivo  and share with others.  

The workshop of traditional weaving that we offer at the Country Living School, demonstrates the typical weaving styles of the Sarcidano, in particular of my town, Isili.  Isili is a small town of 3000 inhabitants and here the women took what was once a domestic labor (that of making blankets and saddle bags) and transformed it into a thriving business.  In the early 1900s women were able to commercialize their products thanks to the coppersmiths who travelled the island and selling their wares and they would sell Isili’s famous rugs as well and here the fame grew.  Our own loom here at the Country Living School was donated by an aunt, who was one of those famous weavers. 

We use a loom that is horizontal with 2 licci and the techniques that we use is called fressada o un’in dente s which is obtained by passing the shuttle along the weft, hitting with force, thus tucking it inside where it remains practically hidden. 

The workshop of traditional weaving can vary in length according to ones interest and needs.  We suggest a weekend stay at CLS.  The materials used are cotton in the warp and the weft in local sheep’s wool. We provide the materials that you will need and you get to take with you whatever rugs you create. 

n addition, for whoever is interested in discovering more about the world of weaving, its possible to organize a guided tour to the Marate museum in Isili and visit the workshop of one of the last remaining weaving artists in town.  We are happy to be your guide and translator throughout the experience.  For more information and to book your workshop click here.