Weaving is the oldest craft focus at Berea, begun in 1893 with an emphasis on creation and preservation of the material culture of 18th-century western European colonists.

Today, 19 student weavers use hand looms, fly shuttle looms, computer-assisted Compu-Dobby looms, sewing machines, and even a long-arm quilting machine and a state-of-the-art digital Thread Controller loom to weave a variety of items.

Each is designed to reflect the College’s mission and values as understood and perceived by today’s students. Weaving Director Erin Miller and Manager Emerson Croft ’20 have created a community where students not only learn the technical skills involved in the craft but feel a sense of belonging and encouragement to take the risks necessary to express their artistic potential in a supportive environment.