Contemporary handweaving studio Shuttles & Needles hosted Weaving Mela ’26 at its Adyar studio on 1 August 2026, as part of its celebrations leading up to National Handloom Day, observed annually on 7 August.

The theme for this year’s Mela, “Thinking Through Weaving,” encouraged participants to explore ideas, patterns, and creativity through the art of weaving.

The three-hour session brought together around 40 participants from diverse backgrounds and professions, ranging in age from approximately 12 to 70 years. Many participants were urban handweavers who have embraced weaving as a creative practice alongside their professional and personal lives.

During the session, participants worked on modern compact handlooms, experimenting with different patterns and exploring the relationship between colour, material, structure, and design.

Speaking on the occasion, Naresh Ramasubramaniam, Managing Director of Shuttles & Needles, said, “Weaving is a fascinating creative activity that allows us to think through colour, material, structure and pattern. Its repetitive rhythm can also be deeply absorbing and meditative.”

He further highlighted how modern compact looms have made handweaving more accessible to beginners, adding that when people experience weaving themselves, they develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of how fabrics are created.

"When people begin to weave themselves, they start looking at fabric differently. They become curious about how cloth is constructed and begin to appreciate the skill, time and thought behind handwoven textiles. This can also lead to a deeper appreciation of India's rich handloom traditions," he added.

Beyond workshops for individuals, Shuttles & Needles also works with schools to introduce handweaving as a hands-on learning tool that promotes observation, creativity, and problem-solving skills among students.

About Shuttles & Needles

Shuttles & Needles is a contemporary handweaving studio based in Adyar, Chennai. The studio offers modern handlooms and weaving equipment, conducts workshops and courses, and provides yarns for weaving, knitting, and crochet enthusiasts.