Traditional Textile Center of Cusco

I read a book "Secrets of Spinning, Weaving, and Knitting in the Peruvian Highlands", which is available in many libraries in California, US. From this book I knew the textile center and decided to visit it once arrived in Cusco. The live demo here is pretty interesting and the goods sold here are of high quality. Yes, it's more expensive than elsewhere and pay attention to the price tag as it's in US dollar, but you can still find something, for example, a 100% alpaca wool long scarf, with weaver's information, at $45, seems good to me; its feel is so soft and warm and the style is beautiful. You can clearly tell the difference between it and the things sold in the market at the other side of the street.

My partner and I did a full day spinning class with Nery which was fantastic, we've done a spinning class before in our native lanuage and learned less than we did with Nery without being able to communicate, as she is such a master. We both felt after our day learning we had acquired enough knowledge to be able to then keep practing at home. My partner then did a 2 day weaving class with Katy which she also said was very good, she got to try out several different patterns and learn to warp her own . Katy was attentive- stopping you as you made mistakes and correcting them when needed. We learnt of the Center after buying a book in the U.K that the founder had published, it was why in fact we came to Peru. We are very grateful such a place exists to preserve traditional skills and culture and to share knowledge with visitors. There is a fabulous museum and shop downstairs, a lot of people mention that it is expensive but I have to disagree. The items sold here are handmade using traditional methods, the labels for each item are very clear informing you if the yarn is hand spun or naturally dyed etc They take a lot of time and skill to make and you are supporting the livelihood of the makers and this organisation's work to keep it viable and alive. There is also items sold at a wide price range for example you could buy a bag for about £35 which is more than reasonable so don't let that put you off going in the shop. Ive heard people haggling in the streets for mass produced items more expensive than that. So when you are in Cusco we highly recommend you visit here to buy authentic and precious souvenirs/gifts from your travels and to take a workshop if you enjoy making. Thank you to everyone involved in the establishment and running of the center!

We had a great time learning and practicing backstrap weaving! We were able to complete one bracelet and then learn a more challenging pattern. Katie was an excellent teacher and we loved this experience!

Nery was an AMAZING Andean weaving instructor! I took part in the three day workshop and learned so much! Not just the technical parts of weaving, but also the significant of the weaving designs and its name. Nery guided me throughout the whole process. I previously came in with weaving experiences, so it was very manageable for me. I highly recommend Centro Textile weaving workshops. If I had more time in Cusco, I would continue participating in the weaving workshops.

Hands on experience on spinning with a dro spindle. Really educational an nice! What an effort to make a small ball of wool!

As far as my amateur self can tell this store is legit. It has a nice variety of products, a nice little museum, demonstrations and kind personnel. I didn't think the prices were high : the 4 year old review saying ponchos are 900 usd is wrong, this depends on the poncho (e.g. how complicated patterns are etc.). There are considerably cheaper ponchos being sold in the store or on their webshop. Even then, I'd personally rather pay a premium for the real deal and support trustworthy artisans.

Beautiful shop and museum, very detailed and insightful exhibition about Andean textiles! One of my favourite museums in Cusco, it's pretty short but very well organised, the shop is also nice, it's expensive but it's okay seen the nature of the work.

I had a wonderful time at the all day spinning class! My teacher explained and showed me how to spin. I have so much respect for this work and it being the foundation of a lot of textiles. Would recommend, especially for anyone who loves to learn new skills from masters, collects hobbies and enjoys a textile art.