Shuttles and Needles

08/06/2026

A small experiment we often conduct at the studio.

Two cones of yarn.

One cashmere.
One linen.

The challenge is simple: Snap them.

The cashmere snaps almost immediately. The linen stubbornly refuses.

The winner appears obvious.

Then comes the second question:

Which one would make the better warp yarn?

The answers are usually unanimous. The loom however seems to have other ideas!

A few observations from the studio found their way into the first article of our new Blog series, Notes on Yarns.

Read the full blog article on the Shuttles & Needles website or in our bio!

01/06/2026

Hello everyone!
We’d love to invite you to a special Online workshop at Shuttles & Needles, where we explore the beauty and logic of Korvai weaving- a technique deeply rooted in South Indian textile traditions.

*ONLINE - Weaving Korvai on the Rigid Heddle Loom:*
*Note: This workshop is exclusively for rigid heddle loom owners.*

Korvai is a distinctive weaving technique traditionally used in South Indian silk sarees, particularly in weaving centres such as Kanchipuram, Arani, Salem, and Madurai. In this method, the saree body and borders are woven separately and intricately interlocked during weaving, creating the characteristic contrasting borders seen in traditional sarees.

In this workshop, we will explore how the fundamental logic of Korvai can be adapted and understood on the rigid heddle loom. Participants will learn the structural approach behind joining independently coloured sections within the same fabric and understand the process of interlocking them during weaving.

Participants are requested to warp their looms in advance for a product of their choice. The warp length can be slightly longer than required for the intended project, allowing enough scope to comfortably explore the technique during the session. After the workshop, participants can continue weaving independently and complete their project at their own pace.

Warping guidelines will be shared with participants in advance.

Workshop Details
Date: 20 June 2026
Duration: 2pm to 4pm Indian Standard Time ( 2 hours)
Venue: Shuttles & Needles, Adyar
Workshop Fee: Inr 3,000
For registrations and enquiries Contact: +91 98402 39140.

25/05/2026

Introduction to Weaving - INKLE LOOM
A one-day hands-on workshop at Shuttles & Needles studio, Chennai.

This beginner-friendly workshop introduces participants to weaving on the Inkle Loom, used for creating narrow textiles such as bands, straps and trims. Participants work individually at a loom and learn warp preparation and basic weaving techniques, with a focus on structure and process.

A short demonstration towards the end explores pattern variations and future possibilities. Each participant completes a woven band to take home. This workshop is ideal for anyone curious to experience weaving first-hand before pursuing it further.

Details

Date: 27 June 2026
Time: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Duration: 6 hours (including break)
Fees: ₹4,200 (inclusive of materials)
Suitable for: Adults and teens
Batch size: Limited

11/05/2026

Pattern weaving on multi-shaft looms: Introductory Course

1 June to 13 June 2026
2-week immersive program at Shuttles & Needles studio, Chennai

Designed for beginners from backgrounds including fashion, textiles, interiors, craft, and design, this course introduces participants to the foundations of multi-shaft weaving through hands-on loom work, weave analysis, colour interaction and structural exploration.

Participants work individually on Ashford 4-shaft table looms and learn:
• Warp preparation
• Dressing the loom
• Reading weaving drafts
• Plain weave, twills, satin and their derivatives
• Weave structure analysis and applications
• Colour interaction
• Introduction to weaving design software
• Basics of yarn requirement calculations

Each participant completes an individual woven project such as table runners, placemats, or cushion covers while developing the confidence to independently prepare and weave on multi-shaft looms in the future.

Course Details:
Duration: 2 weeks
Schedule: 6 days/week
Batch Size: 4 participants
Facilitator: Textile designer from NID/NIFT/IIHT
Fees: ₹47,200 inclusive of materials and taxes

Participants also take home a course binder containing technical notes and woven swatches developed during the program.

For enquiries and registrations, contact Shuttles & Needles.

20/04/2026

Introduction to Weaving – Rigid Heddle Loom

A hands-on workshop at the Shuttles & Needles studio, Chennai.

Participants work individually at a loom and learn to prepare the warp, set up the loom, and begin weaving with guidance. The session focuses on how fabric is built through simple, repeatable actions, with time to settle into the rhythm of the process. Towards the end, a short demonstration opens up possibilities beyond the first steps, giving a sense of how one can continue to explore and grow with the loom.

Each participant weaves a set of coasters during the workshop.

This workshop is often the first step for those who want to experience weaving first-hand and understand what working with a loom involves before deciding to pursue it further.

Details
Date: 9 May 2026
Time: 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Duration: 6 hours (including break)
Working lunch can be arranged on request.
Suitable for: Adults and teens
Fees: ₹4,200 inclusive of materials
Batch size: Limited
Write to us on WhatsApp to register.
WA: +91 9840239140

06/04/2026

If you have always wanted to weave and flaunt a hand woven scarf, here’s an opportunity!

We have an upcoming workshop on introduction to weaving - The Rigid Heddle edition. Learn to weave on a Rigid Heddle Loom. We start with Coasters in the workshop and you can take it up at your own pace and start weaving scarves soon! To learn your fundamentals, sign up now.

Details:

Date: 11th April 2026
Time : 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Fees: INR 4200 inclusive of materials

Call or WhatsApp for registrations- 9840239140

19/03/2026

Our cashmere yarns return in a new range.

This new version comes in a slightly different count and quality, offering a fuller yarn while retaining the exceptional softness, warmth and lightness that cashmere is known for.

Designed primarily for weaving scarves, shawls and lightweight fabrics, the yarn works beautifully in both warp and weft and can be used on all types of looms, including rigid heddle looms. It is also suitable for fine knitting and crochet.

Available in 12 hand dyed shades.

Explore the colours and details on our website.

Shop yarns and join weaving workshops at Shuttles & Needles.






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18/03/2026

Introduction to Weaving – Rigid Heddle Loom

A hands-on workshop at the Shuttles & Needles studio, Chennai.

Participants work individually at a loom and learn to prepare the warp, set up the loom, and begin weaving with guidance. The session focuses on how fabric is built through simple, repeatable actions, with time to settle into the rhythm of the process. Towards the end, a short demonstration opens up possibilities beyond the first steps, giving a sense of how one can continue to explore and grow with the loom.

Each participant weaves a set of coasters during the workshop.

This workshop is often the first step for those who want to experience weaving first-hand and understand what working with a loom involves before deciding to pursue it further.

Details
Date: 11 April 2026
Time: 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Duration: 6 hours (including break)
Working lunch can be arranged on request.
Suitable for: Adults and teens
Fees: ₹4,200 inclusive of materials
Batch size: Limited
Write to us on WhatsApp to register.

24/01/2026