From Vine to Thread: Japanese Kudzu Fibre Threads
Workshop with Tatsuhiko Murai & Ryoko Murai
Saturday 12 September 2026, 10am - 1pm
£45
Venue: MAKE Southwest
Suitable for: Adults
Level: All Abilities
A Green Maker Initiative workshop
This workshop coincides with our captivating exhibition Kudzu: and other natural fibres in Japan, on show in our Riverside Gallery 12 September - 31 October.
Discover a traditional Japanese art of making kudzu threads.
Kudzu (commonly known as Japanese Arrowroot) grows everywhere in Japan. In summer, after carefully harvested vines are fermented on the grassy ground by covering over pampas grass for 3-4 days to extract the fibres.
Participants will split the processed kudzu fibres, and then tie each strip by using a traditional knotting technique. This is a very unique way to make threads without spindles.
The whole process is called “Ito wo umu” (The word “umu” is the same pronunciation as “giving birth” in Japanese).
After making threads, participants will wind these into a skein to take home.
This workshop will be run by visiting tutors Tatsuhiko Murai and Ryoko Murai of Oigawa Kudzu-fu Weaving Studio, Japan.
On the Day
All tools and materials will be provided. Please do wear comfortable / old clothing - aprons will be provided if needed.
Tea, coffee and biscuits are included and will be available on the day. There will be a short lunch break during the workshop and participants are welcome to bring a packed lunch. Our Café is also open should you wish to purchase other refreshments during the workshop.
Workshop participants get 10% off in Rodney’s Café, our exhibitions, and our shop on the day of the workshop! Just show your booking confirmation email or your ticket at the till to receive your discount.
On arrival, please enter the building via the shop, follow the arrows to ‘Education Space’, through the smaller galleries, at the rear of the building on the ground floor.
Please be aware that you cannot use the Co-op car park for all day parking. The Methodist Church car park and Station Road car park usually have plenty of spaces. Click here for more information on our location and car parking for the day.
View MAKE Southwest's Cancellation Policy, HERE.