Amy Copeland My passion for letterforms began in my work as a graphic designer and later as an educator, where I taught students the importance of typography in both layout and communication. When I came to weaving later in life, my background as a sewist and knitter provided a natural foundation for exploring textiles and yarn. As my weaving progressed from simple straight lines to more complex geometric forms, I began to imagine letterforms in the warp and weft, and soon wove my first capital A. One letter led to the next, and I quickly realized I had to complete the entire alphabet.
In this workshop, I will share what I have learned in my weaving practice while guiding participants in creating their own woven letterforms using a small-frame tapestry loom. Rectangles, triangles, circles, and curves—all essential components of letterform design—will be explored through weaving techniques that translate geometry into textile form. Participants will also learn the basics of weft-faced tapestry weaving and leave with the skills needed to weave letters or other custom designs.
Each participant will choose an uppercase letter from a woodtype font, which will be printed to scale and provided at the start of the workshop. Step-by-step handouts and access to tutorial videos will support continued learning, ensuring that those who do not complete their weaving during the session can finish afterward with confidence. All necessary materials and tools will be provided.
This workshop welcomes participants of all levels—no previous weaving experience is required. Attendees will gain both a tactile understanding of letterform construction and a new perspective on the interplay between typography and textile craft.