Workshops
We run a variety of craft and knitting workshops
We run a variety of craft and knitting workshops as well as training sessions to give people the opportunity to develop new or existing skills - and have fun at the same time!
Craft Workshops
Throughout the year, the museum hosts a variety of craft workshops in the Chapel Art Gallery.
These sessions cover a range of creative themes, including circular knitting, paper crafts and felt flower-making. While many workshops are designed with adults in mind, we also offer a programme of activities for children.
Seasonal highlights include knitted Christmas decorations and gifts, as well as school holiday sessions such as Easter crafts, our Summer Programme and Halloween themed makes.
Workshops are delivered by both museum staff and volunteers, alongside a selection of guest facilitators. A fee usually applies, and advance booking may be required.
Please visit our Events page for details of upcoming workshops.
Circular Knitting Tuition
If you own a circular sock-knitting machine and would like to learn how to use it, or develop your existing skills, we can help.
We offer one-to-one tuition with our experienced volunteers. These sessions can be arranged off-site for those wishing to learn on their own machine—please contact us for details and availability.
For museum volunteers, training on our circular sock-knitting machines is available free of charge and takes place on-site as part of our volunteer training programme. For further details please check our vacancies page.
Framework Knitting Training
We are committed not only to preserving our historic textile machinery, but also to safeguarding the traditional skills needed to operate them.
We offer a range of opportunities to learn these specialist techniques, including:
- One-to-one training sessions
- Workshops and VIP special events
- Volunteer ‘demonstrator’ training
With the exception of our special events, these sessions are primarily intended for museum volunteers.
Training is available on both our framework knitting handframes and our circular sock-knitting machines, giving you the chance to develop hands-on experience with these fascinating pieces of textile heritage.