BACKstrap WEAVING workshops
"Rooted in tradition, woven in the now / Con raíces en la tradición, tejidos en el presente."
Discover the ancestral art of the backstrap loom
Intro to Backstrap Weaving Workshop
and
warping your own loom workshop
Discover the art of backstrap weaving in these hands-on, beginner-friendly workshops inspired by traditional textile practices of Mexico and Latin America.
In this immersive 3-hour session, you’ll learn how to weave using a backstrap loom—an ancient technique where the body becomes part of the tool. Guided step-by-step, you’ll explore the rhythm of weaving while creating your own handwoven band to take home.
No experience is necessary. All materials are provided, and looms are prepared in advance so you can focus on the process of weaving.
This workshop is not only about learning a craft, but also about slowing down, connecting to your body, and experiencing the meditative qualities of making by hand.
You’ll learn:
How a backstrap loom works
Basic weaving techniques (plain weave)
How to create and finish a small woven piece
You’ll leave with:
Your own woven project
Foundational weaving skills
A deeper appreciation for traditional textile practices
✨ Small group setting (max 6 participants)
Cost
$65 per class (3 hours)
$250 for all 4 classes (12 hours)
If you are signing up for less than 4, please contact and specify the dates you would like to attend.
In-person
Classes will be held on
Saturday, 10am - 1pm
June 20th, 27th, & July 18th, 25th
Location: our beautiful studio garden in Bridgeland Calgary.
Intro to Backstrap Weaving
Warping your own loom
This intimate, one day workshop is designed for beginners and curious makers who want to learn the essential foundation of backstrap weaving:
warping your own loom.
In-person
Classes will be held on
Sunday, 10am - 1pm
Choose from: June 14th, 21st, & July 12th, 19th
Location: in our beautiful studio garden in Bridgeland Calgary.
Please note that all three hours will likely be dedicated to to the warping and setting up of the loom. If possible, we recommend adding a weaving class that you can master plain weave in the following session.
In this 3-hour session, you will be guided step-by-step through the process of measuring, organizing, and preparing your warp threads with care and intention. Warping is often seen as the most technical part of weaving, but in this workshop, it becomes an accessible, meditative, and empowering practice.
You will learn:
How to measure and plan your warp
How to organize threads for clarity and ease
Traditional approaches to setting up a backstrap loom
By the end of the session, you will have your own warp prepared and ready to weave, along with the confidence to continue the process independently.
All materials are included, and no prior experience is necessary. This small group format allows for personalized guidance, making it ideal for those who prefer a slower pace or want focused support.
Whether you are beginning your weaving journey or looking to deepen your understanding of the process, this workshop offers a meaningful connection to the rhythm and structure behind textile creation.
Cost
$135 for one class (3 hours) and your own full backstrap loom to keep.
Once paid, please contact us and specify which day you would like to attend.
Meet your instructor
-
Carmen Vazquez-Mackay / Ixchel Textiles
Carmen Vazquez-Mackay (she/her) was born and raised on the traditional lands of the Maya, Nahua Pipil, and Lenca peoples in present-day El Salvador. As the founder of Ixchel Textiles, her work is rooted in the traditional Mesoamerican art of backstrap loom weaving—an intimate, embodied practice that connects her to ancestral knowledge, cultural memory, and the sacred feminine.
Carmen began exploring backstrap loom weaving after spending extended time in Mexico. Her textiles are woven slowly and intentionally using a traditional loom anchored to her body and a fixed point, in keeping with the ancient techniques passed down through generations of Indigenous women.
Her work reflects a deep respect for handmade processes, and the connections between land, maker, and material. Through her handwoven textiles and accessories, Carmen blends heritage craft with contemporary design.
Ixchel Textiles is both a creative practice and an offering—a space where tradition and personal expression meet in honour of identity, community, and the beauty of slow, purposeful making.