Workshops &Talks

Learn it. Make it.

Introduction to Tunisian Crochet: Make Your First Project

Instructor: Sarah Ruane

  • Learn differences between Tunisian crochet and “regular” crochet.

  • Learn about Tunisian crochet hooks.

  • Learn how to begin with a Tunisian foundation row.

  • Understanding the Forward and Return Pass.

  • Learn to create clean edges and even tension.

  • Learn about finishing off and simple blocking tips.

  • Each participant will leave with a finished or nearly finished coaster, plus the confidence to explore Tunisian crochet further.

  • Kit provided by the instructor, including two yarn colours, a Tunisian hook, and a cable for €15.

  • Target Audience: Beginners.

Duration: 2 hours

Price: €50 (without the kit)

Time: 10-12 (Room 1)

Beginner Embroidery Workshop

Instructor: Sarah Buckley

  • Learn about the equipment needed, threads, different needles, tips about how to use each.

  • Learn 5 basic stitches such as running, back, stem, stain and French knots.

  • Learn easy ways to transfer an image to fabric and start to stitch a pre-drawn pattern.

  • The participants leave with the confidence to stitch at home, clear instructions on what they learnt in the workshop and all the basic equipment to get them started.

  • Providing a kit by the instructor including a hoop, threads, needles, fabric and instructions for €5.

  • Target Audience: Beginners. For children upwards 12 an adult should accompany them.

Duration: 2 hours

Price: €40 (without the kit)

Time: 12 - 14 (Room 2)

Machine Knitting 101

Instructor: Cristina Passera

  • Introduction to machine knitting.

  • How a domestic machine works (basic setup + key parts).

  • Casting on, knitting rows.

  • Simple techniques (colourwork, hand-manipulated lace or short rows).

  • Seaming and completing a small finished object.

  • Attendees will leave with an understanding of what machine knitting involves and a sense of the creative potential of domestic flatbed machines.

Duration: 1 hour

Price: €35

Time: 15-16 (Room 1)

Turn Your Craft Skills into a Business: Designing and Selling Crochet Patterns

Instructor: Sarah Ruane

  • This one-hour workshop and Q & A will cover the basics of pattern creation, platform options, magazine submissions, and simple marketing strategies to help participants get started in the crochet design world.

  • Designing patterns that sell: How to create clear, attractive patterns.

  • Selling your patterns: Platforms like Etsy and Ravelry and pricing your patterns.

  • Marketing your patterns: Simple strategies to promote and attract customers.

  • Collaborations and YouTube: Using partnerships and YouTube to grow your business.

  • Target Audience: Crocheters who want to add pattern design to their skillset, or those who already sell handmade items and are interested in offering patterns as well.

Duration: 1 hour

Price: €35

Time: 14-15 (Room 1)

Mindful Weaving: A Meditative Introduction to Handweaving

Instructor: Cristina Nicotra

  • Offering an opportunity to learn basic weaving techniques using natural, sustainable materials while embracing mindfulness through repetitive, calming motions.

  • Participants will work with beautiful, natural 100% Sardinian wool and leave with their own handwoven textile piece, such as a coaster or small wall hanging.

  • This workshop is not only about the finished product but the process, encouraging creative expression, inner stillness, and a deeper appreciation for textile craft.

  • Talking about topics of sustainable textiles, types of weaving techniques and local textile history during the session.

  • Providing a kit by the instructor including €30 for frame loom and €25 for cardboard loom.

  • Target Audience: Beginners, creatives, and anyone interested in mindful making, textiles, or slow craft.

Duration: 2 hours

Price: €55 (without the kit)

Time: 10-12 (Room 2)

Rags to Rugs: Creative Weaving With Scrap Fabric

Instructor: Rainie Brannick, Change Clothes

  • Learn how to transform scrap fabric into beautiful, functional rugs using pre-loved non-slip rug backing.

  • Introduction to a simple but satisfying weaving method that makes the most of old clothes, textile offcuts, and donated materials.

  • The result? A striking, low-waste textile piece with real story and texture.

  • Explore how traditional rug-making techniques can be adapted to suit circular textile practices – and how something as ordinary as a torn tshirt or fabric scrap can become something extraordinary when woven with care.

  • Participants will leave with a partly completed rug or wall hanging and all the skills needed to keep going at home.

  • All materials provided for free by the instructor. Attendees are welcome to bring their own fabric scraps if they wish to incorporate personal touches into their work.

Duration: 2 hours

Price: €40

Time: 14-16 (Room 2)

Colour Palettes in Yarn Crafts

Instructor: Maura O Reilly

  • Explore the idea of how yarn shade selections can make or break a project.

  • Helping participants identify good colour combinations using colour theory.

  • Learn where to find inspiration for colour palettes.

  • The participants leave with the confidence to stitch at home, clear instructions on what they learnt in the workshop and all the basic equipment to get them started.

  • Each participant will get a colour wheel to take away and a card with some sample yarn shade combinations that they had come up with themselves at the workshop using cut offs from the yarn skeins provided by the instructor.

Duration: 1 hour

Price: €35

Time: 13-14 (Room 1)

To book our workshops send an email to dublinfibrefestival@gmail.com