WORKSHOP
A Small Time for Thread to Begin
After receiving your form, we will confirm the details and send you further information.
This is a small workshop for those touching mawata silk for the first time.
You will choose plant-dyed mawata silk, open it softly with your fingers, and spin it little by little into thread using a spindle.
While touching the softness of mawata silk, this workshop invites you to experience the quiet moment when silk fiber begins to become thread.
About This Workshop
Mawata is a thin layer of silk fiber made by softening cocoons and stretching them by hand.
Although the Japanese word includes the character for “cotton,” mawata is not plant cotton. It is made from silk.
In this workshop, you will choose from plant-dyed mawata silk, open the fibers gently with your fingertips, and spin them into thread with a spindle.
Rather than aiming to spin a long and perfectly even thread, we will focus on feeling how the silk fibers gradually become thread in your hands.
What You Will Experience
First Half
- A short introduction to mawata silk
- Choose plant-dyed mawata silk
- Open the mawata silk softly with your fingertips
Second Half
- Learn how to use a spindle
- Spin mawata silk into thread
- Make a small specimen box with the mawata silk and the thread you spun
About Spinning
To spin thread from mawata silk, the fibers are drawn out little by little and given twist.
If pulled too strongly, the fiber may break. If the twist is too weak, it may not hold together as thread.
We will watch the flow of the fibers and spin slowly by hand.
Hand-spun thread often has thicker and thinner parts.
These small variations are part of the character of hand-spun silk.
What You Will Take Home
You will take home a small specimen box with the mawata silk you chose and the thread you spun by hand.
Details
Date
Sunday, June 14, 2026
Time
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Location
Hachioji Atelier
Capacity
2–4 participants
Who This Is For
Beginners are welcome.
For those who would like to touch mawata silk for the first time.
For those who would like to try a small spinning experience.
For those interested in color and natural materials.
Fee
¥6,600, tax included, with tea
Payment
Please pay in cash at the venue on the day of the workshop. Exact change would be appreciated.
What You Will Take Home
A small specimen box with the mawata silk you chose and the thread you spun by hand
Access
The atelier is about a 15-minute walk from JR Hachioji Station or Keio Hachioji Station.
Detailed directions will be sent after your application.
Booking
Application Deadline
Thursday, June 11, 2026
How to Apply
Please apply through the shared workshop application form below. After receiving your form, we will confirm the details and send you further information.
Payment
Please pay in cash at the venue on the day of the workshop. Exact change would be appreciated.
Cancellation
Because this workshop is held in a small group and materials are prepared in advance, please contact us as early as possible if you need to cancel or change your schedule.
- Up to 3 days before: no cancellation fee
- 2 days before to the day before: 50% of the workshop fee
- Same day or no-show: 100% of the workshop fee
If you are unable to attend due to illness or unavoidable circumstances, we will do our best to arrange another date where possible. Please contact us before the workshop begins.
A small afternoon workshop to touch mawata silk
and slowly spin it into thread.
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