Twine & Tactile Tradition: Build a Jute Bag with Susan Minor in Platteville

PLATTEVILLE WORKSHOP FIELD GUIDE

Twine & Tactile Tradition: Build a Jute Bag with Susan Minor in Platteville

A focused, hands-on workshop at the Mining & Rollo Jamison Museums where participants learn ancient twining techniques and leave with a handcrafted jute bag.

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Twine & Tactile Tradition: Build a Jute Bag with Susan Minor in Platteville.

Duration
2.5 - 3 hours
Location
Platteville
Operator
The Mining & Rollo Jamison Museums
Category
Workshop
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

At the Mining & Rollo Jamison Museums in Platteville, a compact workshop revives the pre-contact twinning tradition: using cordage made from milkweed, hemp, nettle and other natural fibers, participants learn how women of native peoples wove functional bags and clothing. Under the instruction of lifelong crafter and educator Susan Minor, the class offers demonstration, step-by-step instruction and a handheld loom to keep, letting learners craft and customize a durable jute bag in one concentrated session.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE CRAFT

Ancient Twinning Techniques

Discover twinning, a pre-contact weaving art that employs pole-set twining and natural cordage to create bags and garments — a technique used for storing food, gathering and clothing.

THE TEACHER

Guidance from an Expert

The session is led by Susan Minor, a lifelong crafter and educator who provides instruction and demonstration throughout the hands-on workshop.

THE TAKEAWAY

A Loom and a Finished Piece

Participants receive a handheld loom to keep, learn to twine their own jute bag, and can customize it with color choices and an optional carrying strap.

What the day feels like

What the Workshop Feels Like

The class is a focused, tactile experience: after a demonstration and clear instruction, students work at their own pace with jute and other natural fibers on a handheld loom, moving from basic twining to finishing touches and customization over a roughly two-and-a-half to three-hour session.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this workshop suits.

1
Craft EnthusiastsIdeal for hands-on makers who want to learn traditional twining and leave with both a new skill and a physical project; note that spots are limited so early registration is advised.
2
Museum VisitorsA good complement to a visit to the Mining & Rollo Jamison Museums for those interested in material culture and traditional techniques, but plan ahead because availability is restricted.
3
Community LearnersSuitable for adults seeking a concentrated, instructor-led workshop; limited enrollment means the class size is intentionally small.
4
Early PlannersBecause the class has limited spots, it fits travelers who can register online in advance rather than those needing walk-up availability.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Materials and a handheld loom are provided during the workshop; participants can expect to work with jute and other natural fibers and may choose color options or an optional strap.

Duration

Plan for a session lasting about 2.5–3 hours.

Registration

Register online in advance; spots are limited.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the Bag Making Class?

The workshop runs approximately 2.5–3 hours.

Who teaches the workshop?

The class is led by guest instructor Susan Minor, a lifelong crafter and educator.

Do I get to keep the loom or materials?

Participants receive a handheld loom to keep and work with jute and other natural fibers during the session.

Can I customize my bag?

Yes — the workshop allows customization with different colors of jute and an optional carrying strap.

How do I register?

Registration is conducted online; note that spots are limited.