About Booking
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We have two brick-and-mortar studios in New York, our original studio on the Upper East Side (since 2008) and our newest studio in DUMBO, Brooklyn (since 2019).
UES Studio is located in a safe and lively area called Yorkville, where many families with children live. The nearby '86th Street' stations are convenient to transfer from Grand Central and Penn Station by major subway lines 4, 5, 6, and Q, so it has convenient train connections from Queens, Westchester, and New Jersey. There are also frequent cross-town buses from the Westside through Central Park.
DUMBO Studio is located in the historic area within a few blocks from the F-line station. By the A, C lines and NYC ferry, you can enjoy a stroll around Dumbo - about a 12 minute walk - to get to the studio. Crossing the Brooklyn Bridge from Lower Manhattan can be an added fun activity.
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All of our classes can be booked and scheduled online from this website. Click a class to go to the booking page.
Group/Party - Inquire by email.
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If you would like to book a class at the last minute, please call us directly during business hours or email us. The booking system closes for online reservations 24 hours before class starts, but there may still be seats available. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
UES 212-722-2686 | DUMBO 718-734-2307
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For the Advanced Packages, the Weekly Afterschool Package and the Project-Based Kids Classes, you have to buy the package first before scheduling your class.
Once you have purchased a package, you will be sent a confirmation email. In that email, there will be your own unique package code, and a link to the scheduling page. You will use the scheduling page and your code to pick a time and date for your first session. You can schedule all of your sessions in advance at once, or play it by ear and schedule as you go along.
If you cannot find the email please check your junk folder, and if you still can’t find it please email us. If the time and date you prefer are unavailable it may be fully booked already, so please email us to check - sometimes we can accommodate your wishes.
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Weaving classes are held Tuesday through Sunday, with start times at 11am, 1.30pm and 4pm.
Weekly After-School Kids class runs throughout the school term, and starts at 4pm or 4.30pm Tuesday through Friday.
Fiber arts classes such as spinning and felting are by appointment only.
In rare cases, we may be able to accommodate your request for a flexible class time depending on availability, but we cannot guarantee it.
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Most of our weaving and fiber arts classes are 2 hours long. We offer a Mindful Zen Weaving Session, which lasts for the whole day (up to 7 hours, including lunch break). Kids Weekly Afterschool Classes are 1.5 hours. You can extend any class - we charge $15 for every extra 30 minutes, subject to availability.
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All classes are mixed with other students unless you have specified a private class reservation. Due to the relatively small number of students on weekday mornings, you may have a private class if there are no other bookers in your class, although we cannot guarantee this. If you want us to block the time from other students, you will need to book a private class. Booking a private class means you reserve the entire studio, so you can add multiple of your own guests if you wish. To inquire into a private booking please email us.
Private group reservation: $420, 2 hrs for up to 6 people.
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Since 2020, our daily classes run for up to 6 people, as we have limited the number of looms installed with social distance in mind. However, for private groups at the Dumbo studio, up to 12 looms are allowed with the consent of the participants. We can be flexible with group sizes, so please email us to inquire.
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When possible, we would prefer if students reschedule or find a replacement participant rather than cancel a class, to avoid empty looms. Please refer to our Studio Policies for all cancellation information. For COVID-19 specific cancellation policies, refer here.
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Refunds depend on the timing of your rescheduling or cancellation. Please refer to our Studio Policies for a detailed breakdown of our refund policies.
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Yes! You can buy a gift card, the perfect birthday or holiday present! We offer gift cards for weaving classes/packages and for our online store.
How do I reschedule or cancel a class?
To reschedule a class, please go to your confirmation email. In this email will be a button Change/Cancel Appointment (circled below). You can use this link to pick a new time and date, or to cancel in accordance with our Studio Policies..
If it doesn’t allow you to book your desired time, this might be because the class is already full. Please email us to check, we might be able to accommodate you.
What to Expect
What can I expect when I arrive for my first weaving class?
When you step into Loop of the Loom, light music and cheerful colors invite you to a pre-set loom waiting for you. You will be asked to remove your shoes, put away your belongings in the places provided, and follow any COVID protocols. If you have any concerns before class, ask the friendly staff. Materials will be provided, however, we recommend that you bring socks, water and a bag to take your work home.
No need to worry if you have never woven before! We will be here to help you every step of the way. First, we will run you through the basics. You will have time to get familiar with the loom, then we will encourage you experimenting and trying new techniques along with your pace!
The philosophy of SAORI weaving is not to ‘teach' someone how to weave, but instead to simply lead them to discover their own style and methods. We will let you take whichever direction you feel inspired to go in. Our studio is a zen weaving dojo, you will feel relaxed and meditative in just 2 hours. By the end of the session, you will have completed a woven tapestry that is very unique to you
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Yes, kindly remove your shoes prior to entering the weaving dojo. As a sign of respect for the Zen practice dojo, we follow the Japanese tradition of taking off shoes. The floor and loom pedals are clean to share with others. We suggest you bring socks or slippers to class if you don't feel comfortable going barefoot.
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If you are only running a few minutes late, don’t worry, we can start whenever you arrive. If you are considerably late, please call to let us know ASAP. Please be mindful that if you are late we cannot make up that time at the end of class, as we only have 30 minutes between classes.
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We know your furry friends want to join you in the studio. But please understand that some of the students in the class are unfamiliar with them, so let's relax by leaving them home. Remember, you can weave a nice dog leash gift for your dog!
Service dogs are allowed.
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Of course! Please feel free to leave the studio at any point to get coffee/lunch, or even just to walk around. We definitely recommend taking breaks and breathing fresh air.
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In our small studios, the smell of food interferes with other weavers' concentration, so we prefer to keep them food and drink free. Snacks and drinks are allowed in the waiting room, away from the weaving areas. However, be sure to clean your hands before returning to weave.
We recommend that you bring your own bottled water since we don't have a water fountain or a water cooler.
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Only one person is allowed to weave per loom so that each person can experience their own creative journey. The woven piece expresses yourself and cannot share this with anyone else.
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Please follow our regular class time sets starting at 11am, 1.30pm and 4pm. If we shift the class time for one student, we have to adjust all students' classes and it will cut the cleaning and preparation time for us. If you are coming from afar, please consider the time of transportation when choosing your class time.
In rare cases, we may be able to accommodate your request depending on availability, but we cannot guarantee it.
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We recommend that you go offline and unplug to enjoy your time! If you really need the wifi before or after the class, please ask us. Please refrain from talking on the phone during class.
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We carry many wool-mixed and luxury wool yarn and fibers in the studio, so if you have a serious wool allergy by inhaling or touching, we would advise you to reconsider your visit our studio.
If you feel itchy in woolen clothes or scarves, we can assist you in avoiding the use of wool. Our warps are made of cotton, and we can show you which of our yarns are cotton or other non-wool fibers.
Accessibility
Can I enroll my child with special needs?
Yes, our studio runs inclusive classes for all ages and abilities. We will optimize a loom with special attachments and tools to suit your needs with no extra fee. We support their talents and celebrate their accomplishments with other weavers.
SAORI has been supporting the artistic activities of people with disabilities for over 50 years, and Loop of the Loom has worked with many students and their families. Please feel free to contact us. We will arrange the class as much as possible. If you prefer a quiet environment, ask us for scheduling with an additional fee.
If you would like to implement SAORI weaving at your facility or special school, please contact the non-profit organization Intertwine Arts.
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Our DUMBO studio is fully accessible! There are no steps at all, so wheelchair users can come to class with courage! We have long been ashamed of the inaccessibility for wheelchair passengers at our UES studio, as it has stairs to enter the studio.
When booking a class please use the ‘Notes’ section at checkout to let us know if you have any physical requirements. We are happy to prepare a more accessible loom to make your experience comfortable and enjoyable.
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Our classes are very low difficulty and low energy level activity, while still being relaxing and exciting! Any age and physical ability will enjoy the gentle rhythm of the loom. SAORI looms have been introducing at many senior communities and rehabilitation centers as they are designed to be easy and accessible to use. If you are having difficulty keeping your sitting position, bring a pillow for support and comfort.
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Yes. Even with a cast on one hand, or a leg, or reduced vision, SAORI looms invite you into the world of weaving. It has been proved at rehab facilities for many years. You don't have to give up having fun.
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There are rails and posts just outside each studio to connect your bike. There are also Citi Bike locations within a few blocks of each studio, if you prefer to leave your bike at home.
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No worries! Weaving is easy to follow just by observing our demonstrations. Our classes are held in English but most of our staff also speak Japanese. Please write us a note when booking if Japanese would be preferable for you.
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Yes, we have taller models of looms. Please write us a note when booking if you need a taller loom.
Class Package
How can I schedule a class for my package?
For the Advanced Packages, the Weekly After-school Package and the Project-Based Classes, you have to buy the package first before schedule a class.
Once you have purchased a package from our website, you will receive a confirmation email. In that email, there will be your own unique package code (circled below) and a link to the scheduling page. You will use the scheduling page and your code to pick a time and date.
You can schedule your package in advance, or play it by ear and schedule as you go along.
If you cannot find the email please check your junk folder, and if you still can’t find it please email us. If the time and date you prefer are unavailable it may be fully booked already, so please email us to check - sometimes we can accommodate your wishes.
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For Advanced packages, we don’t offer single class. Please purchase a new package. We have options for 4/ 8/ 12 sessions. You can choose the package size according to your need.
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Please use up your package within the expiration time. Since we have limited amount of storage space and equipment, we need to make sure that everyone has the equipment they need. If you have plans to go on vacation or other extenuating circumstances, please let us know so we can try to accommodate you.
Post Class
I’ve taken my first class, what’s next?
Congratulations! You have discovered the beauty of SAORI weaving. If you would like to explore your creativity further, we would recommend taking Advanced Classes - these classes are pre-purchased packages of class time that you can use to practice a deeper understanding of SAORI weaving. You do not need to have any advanced skills to take them. During these sessions we advise you on new techniques and materials at your own pace. No need to cut your piece off at the end of each session! You can weave a continuous piece over multiple sessions using the same warp, if you simply loved weaving relaxation in each class.
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If it is a tapestry piece, you don’t need to wash it. If it is a scarf or another wearable please use our washing instructions.
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Please do! And if you do, please tag us @loopoftheloom, we love seeing our students’ posts and reading the lovely comments people write about their experience.
Just be mindful, recording our instructions on video is prohibited by the Loop of the Loom because SAORI headquarters prohibits the use of instructional videos online. Thank you for understanding.
For Kids
How do the Weekly After-School Class packages work?
Our Weekly After-School Package runs during the school term, Tuesday - Friday at 4 pm and 4:30 pm. Reserve the same time and day of the week throughout the semester. It's a 1.5-hour x 10-class package, so when the package runs out, you can buy it again to renew. You cannot buy a split class package. If there are classes left at the end of term, they can be used by parents or siblings, or during the vacation breaks.
Although the classes are mixed with other students, each child will be working on their own individual projects. We will help them choose projects to work on based on their age and skill level, and closely supervise them throughout. They will develop skills such as weaving, sewing, and needle felting, as well as growing their creative spirit.
Our students are creative, independent children who like to make things with their hands and brains. Please be mindful that these consecutive classes are not playdates, even though they are fun.
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From our experience, while your 4-5-year-old may be very creative and competent, they are not quite ready to work on big projects that run over a series of classes. We recommend that you wait until they are 6-years-old to take the Drop-Off Kids Class, and 8-years old to take the After School Program. Please contact us if you wish to try out for children under 6-years old and we will assist you in any way possible.
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Parent, please take a coffee break or do your errands while your kids are enjoying the loom. We do not allow parents to stay in the studio and supervise their children unless it is a birthday party. Your children instinctively have such an uninhibited creative spirit, that when explored will create beautiful things.
However, if a child does not follow our rules, we may ask parents or babysitters to stay in the waiting room.
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Yes, siblings can share packages. We also offer a 5% discount for second or more siblings who wish to have their own packages. Use code SIBLING at checkout to apply discount. Friends or cousins cannot share class packages.