2026-07-28 – Weaving a Boat Rug on a Warp-Weighted Loom
Class Details
- Schedule: July 28-August 1 (9:00 am-5:00 pm CT)
- Location: This is an in-person class held at Vesterheim Folk Art School.
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Instructor: Monika Sunnanå Ravnanger
- Level of Instruction: Intermediate and Advanced
Description
The design of the cloth was very important for Norwegian ancestors. It made it possible for them to live in the harsh climate in the North and made it possible for them to go to sea and out into the world. It is assumed that the Warp Weighted Loom, also called Oppstadgogn, was used since The Stone Age. The loom stands up against the wall and the warp threads are knotted to the stone or ceramic weights at the bottom. This loom was used to produce everything from cloth and blankets to sails.
The pile-weave technique takes us several thousand years back in time. A pile textile has two different sides: on one side the structure of the weave is visible, while on the other, the pile is woven and tied in with knots. The pile, also known as floss, rag, or napp in Norwegian, is made from wool, thread, or textile scraps.
When worn against the body, the warm air in the pile will keep you warm. Facing outwards, the pile will protect you from the rain. Pile textiles have most likely been used on both sides, as protection against the rain and cold.
The most documented and preserved floss textile in Norway is the boat rug. The rugs were an important part of the boat’s equipment and were in use during fishing and on boat trips along the coast in many parts of the country. It was also normal to have rugs inland, where they were used on the bed at night and on the sledge during winter.
Prerequisites
This course is designed for students with some experience in flat loom weaving and basic textile knowledge, though the warp-weighted loom techniques taught will be distinctly different.
Note: Because of the techniques used in warp-weighted loom weaving, this class will require participants to stand at their loom for large portions of the day.
Supplies
Additional information about supplies and materials will be shared with registrants closer to the start of the class.
Additional Supplies
Vesterheim has a few warp weighted looms for students to use, however if you have your own (floor or tabletop), we encourage you to bring it. We will make the pile with wool thread and textile scraps.
Enrollment Deadline
June 27, 2026
Classes with Norwegian instructors are supported in part by the Sigmund Aarseth Norwegian Instructor Endowment.