Shifu Weaving [closed]
You can make paper thread from Japanese Washi paper. The basic process of making paper thread is folding, cutting, rolling the paper, and tearing the edges to make one long thread. After that, the thread is spun, and the twist is set as the final step. In this workshop, we will make paper thread out of two sheets of Washi paper, and then weave Shifu (paper cloth) with a linen warp. The final result will be a uniquely shaped Tsunobukuro bag made from Shifu.
A Tsunobukuro is made from a single long piece of fabric, connected together on the bias to create a bag.
Prerequisite Skills: Weaving, warping, setting up a floor loom.
*For now, this workshop is only open to those enrolled in the International Students Course in Spring 2026 (please check “Shifu workshop” on the application form). Any remaining seats will be available to others in February.
Category： Workshops in English
| Date | Jul. 13 - Jul. 17 2026 |
|---|---|
| Time | 9:00 〜 17:00 |
| Tuition Fee | ¥77,000 (with 10% tax, materials fee included) |
| Capacity | 4-8 students |
| Application Deadline | 9:00 (JST) Jan. 8 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Day 1 | Explanation of Shifu Weaving / Folding, cutting, and rolling the paper |
| Day 2 | Tearing the edges / Spinning / Setting the twist |
| Day 3 | Warping / Setting up the loom |
| Day 4 | Setting up the loom / Weaving Shifu |
| Day 5 | Weaving Shifu / Assembling the Tsunobukuro |
| Things to Bring: |
| -Indoor shoes (slippers or shoes) -Note taking materials -Pencil -Sharp scissors for cutting yarn and paper -2 smaller towels (about 35cm x 75-85cm, will be used to dampen the washi) -Metric measuring tape (1.5-2m) -Mask (optional, to avoid dust from the washi) -Apron (optional, to avoid dust from the washi) |
Instructor : KEIKO YOSHIDAIn 1985 Keiko Yoshida completed the Advanced Textile Research Course at Seian Women’s College in Kyoto Japan. After working for a period of time at HINAYA Inc., a traditional weaving company in Kyoto, she became a studio weaving artist. While researching paper weaving she learned how to make washi paper yarn from Ms. Takiyo Hattori and Ms. Hiroko Karuno. Currently, she mainly weaves cloth for wearing.