A self-made scarf to get you through the winter? If you’re in the mood for hands-on work and creative experimentation, learn the art of weaving from and with Christina Klessmann in her space, the Weberloft. Just a short walk from the Westend train station, in an industrial loft shared by independent artists (and right next to the Gipsformerei, where molds are cast), find the Weberloft on the top floor. The space, entirely in white, forms a striking contrast to the nine wooden looms and frames: each different, most with quite a few years behind them, and all but one run without electricity. On the floor-to-ceiling shelves rest cones and balls of yarn, the raw materials for weaving, in every color of the rainbow and beyond: natural grey Norwegian wool, fine mohair, vibrant cotton threads, elegant linen yarn and more. They form the basis for the scarves, blankets, cloths and wall hangings that Christina hand-weaves here. Born and raised in Berlin with a Norwegian father, Christina has lived in the city all her life. She studied textile design and found her way to hand weaving through an apprenticeship at Werkhof Kukate. She has been running the Weberloft since 2013, and since 2021 from this new loft space. Over many years, she taught at the UdK, but now focuses on her own designs and weaving courses in her studio. These usually run for two to three days, depending on the topic.
During the two-day course we attended, participants worked on table looms with rigid heddles, in widths of 40–80 cm, ideal for scarves or cushion covers. In 2026, her popular wool blanket courses will return, where participants work at the large floor looms. These courses also introduce the different looms and their unique characteristics. From warping the yarn to setting up the looms, from weaving in various techniques to finishing the pieces, from sewing in ends to twisting fringes, you’ll learn every step and take home a one-of-a-kind piece you designed and made yourself. Christina and her colleague Nicole teach in small groups with plenty of personal guidance, and participants learn from one another as well. Lunch is shared and conversations are encouraged. When you head home after two or three days with your finished piece, you’ll know that craftsmanship comes from doing, and that a day at the loom is part digital detox, part tactile, grounding work. At the same time, your appreciation for the textiles in your own home grows. You may catch yourself examining your blankets and towels more closely, and maybe even feeling the urge to learn more about weaving. For me, it’s a practice that balances two things: intuitive making and logical thinking. You can plan the perfect pattern and try to follow it, or you allow the process to lead you. Christina is always by your side, offering technical support as well as color advice, her knowledge of color theory helping you choose the right combination. Whether in matching tones or bold color-blocking, in waffle weave or simple plain weave, fluffy mohair or dense, glossy merino, the result is always a standout piece. In January 2026, the next scarf-weaving courses begin, and if you find yourself increasingly hooked or already have some experience, you can even rent time on the Weberloft looms. Curious? Stop by the Advent exhibition at the Weberloft on December 12.
Text: Nina Trippel / Photos: Ruby Watt
Weberloft, Sophie-Charlotten-Str. 15, 14059 Berlin–Westend; map
Find all the classes and info here.
Advent exhibition at Weberloft 12.12.2025 14–21h
Modus Advents-Pop-up 13.12.2025 10–18h
@weberloft
@christinaklessmann
