Yours and Mayan: A Charleston Studio for Handmade Textiles and Woven Art

What Yours and Mayan makes and where to find it

Yours and Mayan is a working textile studio in Charleston where you can watch weavers at the loom, buy finished pieces, and take classes in weaving and fiber arts. The studio sits in the Cannonborough neighborhood and operates as both a retail space and an active production studio—the looms are visible from the sales floor, so you see the work happening as you browse.

The studio specializes in handwoven textiles: scarves, wall hangings, table runners, and custom pieces made on traditional and contemporary looms. The work draws on both modern design and traditional weaving techniques. Pieces range from small scarves to large-scale wall installations, and prices reflect the labor and materials involved in hand production.

Beyond finished goods, Yours and Mayan offers weaving classes for beginners and experienced weavers. Classes cover basic loom techniques, color theory, pattern design, and finishing methods. The studio also hosts workshops focused on specific techniques like tapestry weaving or natural dyeing. Class sizes stay small to allow hands-on instruction at each loom.

Key Takeaways

• Yours and Mayan is a working textile studio where you can watch weavers produce handmade pieces while you shop or take a class.
• The studio sells finished woven textiles including scarves, wall hangings, and custom orders, with prices varying by size and complexity.
• Weaving classes run regularly for all skill levels, from absolute beginners to weavers looking to refine advanced techniques.
• The studio location in Cannonborough makes it accessible as part of a broader arts walk through that neighborhood's galleries and maker spaces.

Classes and what to expect in your first session

First-time weaving students typically start on a floor loom or table loom depending on the class format. The instructor walks through basic setup—threading the loom, understanding the warp and weft, and operating the pedals or levers that control the shed (the opening where thread passes through). You will spend the first class learning to throw the shuttle and maintain even tension, which takes practice but feels intuitive once your hands understand the rhythm.

Most beginner classes run for multiple sessions rather than a single workshop, so you return to the same loom and build on what you learned. This continuity matters because weaving has a learning curve—your first scarf or small wall hanging teaches you more than any demonstration can. By the third or fourth class, students typically have a finished piece they wove themselves.

The studio provides all materials and loom access as part of class fees. You do not need to buy equipment to start. If you decide to continue weaving seriously, the instructors can advise on purchasing a small loom for home use, but that decision comes after you know whether the craft holds your interest.

Custom orders and commission work

Yours and Mayan takes custom commissions for specific colors, sizes, and designs. This process begins with a conversation about what you envision—a wall hanging for a particular room, a set of table runners in your home's color palette, or a large-scale installation for a business or public space. The studio discusses timeline, budget, and technical possibilities before quoting a price.

Custom work typically takes longer than buying a finished piece from inventory because the weaver must dye yarn to your specifications, design the pattern, and execute it on the loom. Lead times vary depending on the studio's current workload and the complexity of your commission. Expect several weeks minimum for most custom orders.

The studio's approach to materials and dyeing

Yours and Mayan works with both natural and synthetic fibers depending on the piece. Natural fibers like wool, cotton, and linen appear in many finished textiles because they take dye well and age beautifully. The studio also experiments with plant-based dyes and natural color sources, which produces subtle, complex hues that differ from synthetic dyes.

Some finished pieces use commercially dyed yarn for consistency and color range, while others are dyed in-house. This mix reflects both practical production needs and the studio's interest in exploring different dyeing methods. If you commission a piece, you can request natural dyes, synthetic dyes, or a specific color palette, and the studio will advise on what is feasible within your timeline and budget.

Visiting the studio and what the space offers

The studio is open during regular business hours, though hours can shift seasonally or for special events. It is worth checking their website or calling ahead before visiting, especially if you are traveling from outside Charleston. The space itself is designed to let visitors move between the retail area and the working studio, so you can see weavers at the loom without interrupting their work.

The Cannonborough location puts Yours and Mayan within walking distance of other galleries, studios, and cafes, making it a natural stop on an arts-focused afternoon. The neighborhood has developed as a creative hub over the past decade, so you might combine a visit to the studio with browsing nearby galleries or grabbing lunch at one of the area's restaurants.

Pricing and what handmade textiles cost

Handwoven textiles cost more than machine-made fabrics because they require skilled labor and time. A simple scarf might run $60 to $150 depending on fiber content and complexity. Larger pieces like wall hangings or table runners range from $200 to $800 or more. Custom commissions are priced individually based on size, materials, and design complexity.

These prices reflect the reality of hand production: a weaver working at a loom produces far less volume than a factory, and the skill required commands appropriate compensation. If you are new to handmade textiles, visiting the studio and seeing the work up close helps clarify why the prices are what they are. Holding a piece you watched someone weave creates a different relationship to the object than buying fabric off a shelf.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need any weaving experience to take a class?

No. Yours and Mayan offers classes for complete beginners with no prior experience. The instructors teach from the ground up, starting with how to thread a loom and move through basic techniques. You will work at your own pace, and the small class size means the instructor can adjust instruction to your learning speed.

Can I buy a finished piece and have it customized?

The studio primarily works on custom commission for personalized pieces rather than modifying finished inventory. However, it is worth asking directly—the weavers may be able to discuss options depending on what you have in mind and their current schedule.

How long does it take to complete a weaving class?

Beginner classes typically run four to six weeks with weekly sessions. The exact length depends on the class format and what you are weaving. The studio can tell you the specific schedule when you inquire about upcoming classes.

What should I wear to a weaving class?

Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely and sit at a loom for an hour or more. Avoid loose sleeves or dangling jewelry that could catch on the loom. Closed-toe shoes are practical since you will be working with foot pedals on a floor loom.

Can I purchase yarn or materials to weave at home?

The studio focuses on finished textiles and classes rather than retail yarn sales. If you are interested in home weaving after taking a class, the instructors can recommend suppliers and help you think through what equipment makes sense for your space and skill level.