RUG WEAVING ON A FLOOR LOOM
This is an in-depth and extensive online course demonstrating how to weave rugs on a 4-shaft counterbalance floor loom.
You’ll learn how to set up your loom for rug weaving, hone your skills and build from basic up to advanced weaving techniques.
watch the teaser trailer here
Enrolment for Rug Weaving On A Floor Loom is open now!
The course will begin on April 20th.
Enrolment will close on April 19th. Sign up before then to get lifetime access!
About This Course
This course will take you through the full process of weaving rugs on a floor loom, from warping your loom, starting to weave and taking your rug off the loom and finishing them.
It covers 4 different rugs which include 15 different weaving patterns and 4 separate finishing techniques. We'll also cover correct weaving technique, in-depth troubleshooting tips and how to plan and execute more advanced designs.
Each video is pre-recorded and close captioned, so you can watch at your own pace, as many times as you need.
PDF workbooks are included for you to download with each module, along with templates to guide you as you weave.
If you need additional help and guidance, I’ll be answering student questions via email and in the discussion threads at the end of each module.
Best of all, you get lifetime access to all course content, so you can come back to the course as many times as you need.
Your teacher Christabel Balfour has been weaving professionally on a floor loom for almost a decade. She'll be sharing what she's learnt throughout the course, both in the videos themselves and through one-on-one discussion.
She will be available to answer any questions you may have via email, and in the discussion threads in the course and the comments underneath each video.
Included In This Course
25 Pre-Recorded Videos
These videos cover the full process of rug weaving on a floor loom weaving from start to finish. This includes 15 different weaving patterns across 4 separate rugs. Closed captions and transcripts are available for each one.
6 PDF Workbooks & 4 PDF Templates
Each module comes with a PDF workbook, that includes notes and step-by-step instructions from each video to refer back to while weaving. Each rug also comes with a PDF template that you can follow along with while weaving.
Video Discussion Threads
At the end of each module there is a discussion page dedicated to that module, where you’ll be able to share your work and get feedback. You can also ask questions in the comments underneath each video.
Email Support
There is a dedicated email address where you can get in touch and ask questions
Lifetime Access
Your access to the course will never expire and you’ll be able to come back to it as many times as you like.
What You’ll Need
Floor Loom
The loom I am demonstrating on is a LeClerc Fanny II 4-shaft counterbalance loom. This course works best for floor looms with 2-4 shafts, and can also work for looms with more shafts, and table-top looms as well.
Warping Board Or Mill
To measure out your warp you will need a warping board large enough to wind a warp at least 6 metres / 6.5 yards long. I am using the Ashford 11m Warping Frame in the course. If you have a warping mill you can use this as well!
Raddle and Clamps
You will need a raddle at least 60cm/2 feet wide and clamps to attach it onto the back beam. These can be purchased online but you can also make your own- instructions for this will be included in Module 1.
Warp Yarn
I am using a N/M 6/6 linen warp in the course videos, but you can also use a cotton or even wool warp for the course. You will need approximately 1200 metres or 1300 yards of warp to match the warp I am making in the video, but you can of course make a shorter warp and use less.
Warping Tools
Scissors and a sleying hook (this is optional, but worth trying out) I also recommend gathering some short lengths of brightly coloured yarn to tie up your warp chains with
Reed
I am using a 8dpi reed in this course, but you can use a reed in the 6-12dpi range. Anything closer spaced than 12dpi will not be suitable. Your reed should be a minimum of 60cm/2 feet wide.
Cross Sticks
These are two flat sticks with holes at each end, inserted into the cross in the warp to maintain tension. You can purchase them or make them yourself, in many cases they come with the loom.
Corrugated Cardboard
This will wind onto the warp beam in between the layers of warp keeping them flat and level. I recommend ordering a 10m roll approximately 75cm/2.5 feet wide.
Weft Yarn
You'll need a good supply of sturdy rug yarn for this course, preferably at a DK or Aran weight. We weave 4 rugs in the course, and each rug requires around 750g or 1.6lb of rug yarn.
Weaving Tools
You'll need a selection of long and short shuttles, a needle for stitching in loose ends, and a bobbin and comb.
Browse my recommended stockists and suppliers here
Frequently Asked Questions
What floor loom can I use for this course?
This floor loom is ideal for 2 or 4-shaft counterbalance floor looms. However with a little adjusting you can also follow this course on loom with more shafts, a jack loom, a countermarch loom or a table loom. If you’re wondering if your loom is suitable for this course, email me at students@christabelbalfour.com and I can advise you.
I’m new to floor looms/weaving in general. Is this class suitable for beginners?
This course was created with beginners in mind, and you should be able to follow it even if you’ve never woven on a floor loom before! However I recommend trying out weaving on a simple loom first so you can get a bit of practice.
Is this course suitable for countermarch looms?
Yes, the techniques covered here will work for countermarch looms as well. I recommend following the process outlined in Module 2 and setting up your loom with 4 shafts. I can offer more advice during the course.
Is this course suitable for high warp looms?
Yes, you can adapt the techniques here for an upright or high warp loom.
Can I download the modules?
Each module comes with a downloadable PDF workbook, so you can have step-by-step instructions and notes to hand while weaving. However, the videos themselves cannot be downloaded. Our videos are hosted on a platform similar to Youtube - if your internet connection is not strong enough to watch Youtube, it will not be strong enough for this course. Please check this before you sign up!
I'm in the EU. Can I sign up for this course?
Yes, you can sign up via our EU shop which is here.
Course Contents
When the course begins, you will get instant access to Modules 1-3. Subsequent modules are uploaded every two weeks, to give you plenty of time to work through each one.
You'll be notified by email when the next module is available, and you have lifetime access to all course content! So you can keep coming back to the course as many times as you like.
Module 1 - Preparing To Weave
Available 20th April 2026
4 videos & 1 downloadable PDF
1.1 Introduction - VIDEO
1.2 What You’ll Need - VIDEO
1.3 Planning & Preparation - VIDEO
1.4 Measuring Out Your Warp - VIDEO
Module 1 Workbook - PDF
Module 2 - Warping Your Loom
Available 20th April 2026
4 videos & 1 downloadable PDF
2.1 Beaming Your Warp - VIDEO
2.2 Threading Your Heddles - VIDEO
2.3 Sleying Your Reed - VIDEO
2.4 Tying On & Spacing Out - VIDEO
Module 2 Workbook - PDF
Module 3 - Simple Rug Patterns
Available 20th April 2026
5 videos & 2 downloadable PDFs
3.1 Starting To Weave - VIDEO
3.2 Lines & Stripes - VIDEO
3.3 Blocks - VIDEO
3.4 Interlocking & Hatching - VIDEO
Module 3 Workbook - PDF
Module 3 Template - PDF
Module 4 - Triangular Rug Patterns
Available 4th May 2026
4 videos & 2 downloadable PDFs
4.1 Triangles & Chevrons - VIDEO
4.2 Diamonds & Interlocking Triangles - VIDEO
4.3 Downward Facing Triangles & Chevrons - VIDEO
4.4 The Hemstitch Finish - VIDEO
Module 4 Workbook - PDF
Module 4 Template - PDF
Module 5 - Circular Rug Patterns
Available 18th May 2026
4 videos & 2 downloadable PDFs
5.1 Circles - VIDEO
5.2 Wide Curves - VIDEO
5.3 Scallop Patterns - VIDEO
5.4 The Folded Edge Finish - VIDEO
Module 5 Workbook - PDF
Module 5 Template - PDF
Module 6 - Textured Rug Patterns
Available 1st June 2026
4 videos & 2 downloadable PDFs
6.1 Advanced Hatching - VIDEO
6.2 Triangles With Hatching - VIDEO
6.3 Circles With Hatching - VIDEO
6.4 Stitching In The Warp - VIDEO
Module 6 Workbook - PDF
Module 6 Template - PDF