1 August 2026 – 2 September 2026

London Pattern Club

2026 Summer School

A month of hands-on workshops exploring algorithmic creative practices.

About our events

London Pattern Club organise workshops and activities around algorithmic creative practices - things that involve making, manipulating and combining patterns. Inspired by Sheffield Pattern Club, we see patterns as a common language across craft, technology, music and the performing arts.

This series of workshops explores patterns in weaving, lacemaking, and live-coding music and visuals. These workshops are aimed for beginners, but may offer experienced practitioners a new perspective on their craft.

Schedule

  • Sat 1 Aug · 11:00–16:00

    (Un)weaving

    Explore how woven structures and thread colours interact to create patterns - in reverse!

    The Hub · Alex McLean

  • Sat 8 Aug · 11:00–16:00

    Intro to Bobbin Lace

    Learn to create bobbin lace - a 500-year-old craft which served as an inspiration for modern computing.

    The Hub · Amelia White & Lauren Watson

  • Sat 15 Aug · 11:00–16:00

    Tools for Live-coding Music

    Discover tools to create music in real-time using code.

    The Hub · London? Live? Coding?

  • Sat 22 Aug · 11:00–16:00

    Tools for Live-coding Visuals

    Discover tools to create visuals in real-time using code.

    The Hub · London? Live? Coding?

  • Wed 2 Sept · 18:30–23:00

    AlgoRhythms

    Closing party with live-coded music, visuals and craft activities.

    The Carpet Shop · London? Live? Coding?

Event details

Saturday, 1 August 2026 11:00–16:00 (Europe/London)

(Un)weaving

We’ll unravel woven fabric swatches, closely observe what’s happening, and use notation to record what we discover. We’ll then use AdaCAD to simulate our samples, helping to connect the physical fabrics to their underlying structures.

Facilitator
Alex McLean

Researcher exploring algorithmic patterns in the creative arts. Creator of TidalCycles, co-creator of Strudel and co-founder of Sheffield Pattern Club.

Who should attend
Anyone interested in weaving and how woven patterns work.
Prerequisites
None.
What to bring
Please bring a laptop (if you have one) so you that you can use AdaCAD (no installation required).
Capacity
20 places
Price
From £20
Saturday, 8 August 2026 11:00–16:00 (Europe/London)

Intro to Bobbin Lace

This workshop will explore the foundational tools and techniques of bobbin lace, along with lacemaking’s relationship with computing. We’ll cover the tools and techniques you’ll need to get started, with plenty of time to practise alongside experienced makers.

Facilitator
Amelia White & Lauren Watson

Organisers and founders of London Lace Club.

Who should attend
Newcomers and beginners to lacemaking.
Prerequisites
None.
What to bring
All materials and equipment will be provided - please bring your own bobbins, pillow and thread if you have them.
Capacity
20 places
Price
From £20
Saturday, 15 August 2026 11:00–16:00 (Europe/London)

Tools for Live-coding Music

This workshop will explore tools for live-coding music, with a primary focus on Strudel and an introduction to alternative tools.

Facilitator
London? Live? Coding?

Members of the London? Live? Coding? community (including you!)

Who should attend
Newcomers to live-coding music, as well as more experienced live-coders seeking to learn new things.
Prerequisites
None.
What to bring
Laptop (if you have one), headphones.
Capacity
20 places
Price
From £20
Saturday, 22 August 2026 11:00–16:00 (Europe/London)

Tools for Live-coding Visuals

This workshop will explore tools for live-coding visuals, with a primary focus on Hydra and an introduction to alternative tools.

Facilitator
London? Live? Coding?

Members of the London? Live? Coding? community (including you!)

Who should attend
Newcomers to live-coding visuals, as well as more experienced live-coders seeking to learn new things.
Prerequisites
None.
What to bring
Laptop (if you have one).
Capacity
20 places
Price
From £20
Wednesday, 2 September 2026 18:30–23:00 (Europe/London)

AlgoRhythms

AlgoRhythms is a chance for people interested in live-coding to meet, share, learn, perform, and dance! From 18:30 - 19:30, attendees can join a round-table meetup - a chance to introduce yourself, learn about live-coding, or share something you’re working on. Attendees may then sign up to an optional 15-minute performance slot, in which anyone - including you - is welcome to perform!

Facilitator
London? Live? Coding?

Members of the London? Live? Coding? community (including you!)

Who should attend
You!
Prerequisites
None.
What to bring
Feel free to bring a laptop, or any device for making sound or visuals if you’d like to perform.
Price
Pay-what-you-can