Info
16.01.2023 – 27.01.2023
Design School Kolding, Denmark
Facilitated by Kristine Boesen
In January 2023 Design School Kolding, Denmark, hosted a co-exploration of the weaving technique Leno Weaving where four master weavers could meet up for a two-week residency.
The residency provided an open space to share culturally different approaches to working on looms with the common goal of showcasing new ways of using the technique Leno weaving. The residency had a dedicated focus on the Leno weaving technique by digging into the origin of the technique while exploring the potential when using computer-controlled looms with 24 shafts as part of the development process.
The purpose of the co-exploration was to dive into both the simplicity and functionality of weaving and yet the complexity and intricate possibilities different applications of the Leno weaving technique can create.
Leno weave (also gauze weave or cross weave) is a weave in which two warp yarns are woven around the weft and interlock the threads. Using beads gathering groups of warp threads can create this on a standard shaft loom where the warp end twists and grips tightly to the weft yarn. Leno weave gives an open and airy fabric. On looms with as many shafts possible to create multiple types of patterns and structures and combine leno weave with a plain weave to create denser and more open areas.
With careful consideration of materials and colours, the master weavers shared experimentation within Leno weaving by creating samples. Experimentation and making of samples served as inspiration for developing knowledge of the technique and creating a series of woven textiles throughout the residency. By exploring Leno Weaving together, the group of experienced weavers could combine experiences while becoming familiar with the technique. Experimentation has been a general theme throughout the residency, shown in the various textile samples in the exhibition and the Material Library on the Craft Hub platform.
