The "Folk Arts Hub" educational and cultural foundation has been working hard to pass on the craft of Armenian rug weaving to the new generations. Since 2014, they've been offering free rug-weaving classes for children aged 6-15 of all sexes, every Saturday. These classes, lasting two hours each, teach kids the entire process of weaving from the very beginning (making the foundation) until the rug is ready to be taken home and enjoy.
Each child gets their own small frame to create their unique rug. Before starting, they draw their own individual design, which is then matched to a special rug-weaving pattern. This ensures that every rug is one-of-a-kind and each kid is the pure and only creator of their future masterpiece. The course lasts 6 to 9 months, allowing kids to learn and do every step of making a rug.
The classes take place in Yerevan at the "Silk Road" hotel on Aygedzor 53/2. The hotel is decorated with rugs and textiles from the 19th and 20th centuries, making it a cozy place for kids to learn about textiles and Armenian heritage.
The goal goes beyond just teaching weaving—it's about introducing Armenian carpet traditions and history to kids early on. At the end of each class, the kids get to take home the rugs they've made, along with a certificate. So far, the foundation has taught over 200 children, adding at least 200 new carpets to the Armenian weaving culture.
