Spinning Paper into Thread (Japanese tradition of Shifu) with Elizabeth van Herwaarden

Shifu is a traditional Japanese method of spinning paper into thread.

We will begin the workshop by learning how to prepare the paper by folding, cutting, and then rolling it before spinning it on a drop spindle. We can experiment with different papers.

Mulberry paper is traditionally used however I mainly use recycled dressmaking pattern paper to spin my thread. I have even spun a brown paper bag into a thread.

The paper thread can then be woven on small, simple weaving frames we can make together. If time permits, we can also experiment with knitting and crocheting the thread and dyeing it with natural dyes.

If you have a drop spindle, please bring it along. Some will be provided