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Discover hand spinning and weaving

Meet our expert crafters Cate and Janet to discover how to spin wool and weave thread, you can even get hands on and have a go at it yourself.

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event (admission applies)

The ancient crafts of spinning thread and weaving cloth are things that people have done for centuries, without these there would be no clothes to wear!

Come and try for yourself - feel and smell the sheep's wool, try your hand with a drop spindle and have a go on a spinning wheel. Do you know what a niddy noddy or a lazy Kate is? See if you can make some thread for the weaver to use. Then have a go at weaving on one of the handlooms. Explore the weft and warp, try not to get your threads in a tangle.

Plus, you can see the fabulous textile displays on the first floor from Gawthorpe Textiles Collection. And a selection of second-hand textile and craft books will also be on sale, if you want something to take home for inspiration.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Check admission prices

The basics

Accessibility

This event is on the first floor. Due to the historic nature of the building, there is no lift.

Contact info

Lancashire County Council

Upcoming events

Event

Gawthorpe Textiles Collection exhibition 

A fantastic display of beautiful historic textiles from the collection of Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth, across four rooms of the Hall.

Event summary

on
6 Jul to 2 Nov 2025
at
12:00 to 17:00
+ 85 other dates or times
Event

An Account of Life: Gawthorpe Hall in the 1600s 

An exhibition bringing the household of Gawthorpe Hall in the 1600s to life, through the original account books of the Shuttleworth Family.

Event summary

on
6 Jul to 2 Nov 2025
at
12:00 to 17:00
+ 85 other dates or times
Event

The Craft House: a talk about Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth and her textile collection 

This talk by the curator of Gawthorpe Textiles Collection tells the fascinating story of Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth, who grew up at Gawthorpe Hall and had a passion for textiles and craft.

Event summary

on
17 Jul 2025
at
13:00 to 14:30
Event

Outdoor theatre – Treasure Island 

Take to the high seas with Off the Ground outdoor theatre in their original version of the swashbuckling classic tale Treasure Island!

Event summary

on
26 Jul 2025
at
18:30 to 21:30