This course takes place each Tuesday 10.00-15:00 term time only.
You can download an application form here.
Creative Stitched Textiles
Duration: 1 year part-time either by attending 10 days (10am – 3pm) per term over 3 terms or by distance learning. Distance learners work to the same timescale but have more flexibility to complete the work.
Validation: Our courses are validated and moderated by an internal appointee and an external appointee of the WI.
Themes: each term has a theme, and this theme will be explored to develop designs which can be taken through into your stitched samples and the stitched items to be made for assessment for that term.
Samples and assessments: Stitched samples will be made during term time and kept in a portfolio. The design work to be kept in a portfolio or large design book. Stitched assessments will take approximately 20-30 hours to complete and will be presented at the start of the following term.
A small handstitched booklet or roll will be worked alongside the machine techniques each term
Term one (Autumn year one)
The theme for this term is Take a Closer Look – looking at the world around us. You will be expected to take photos, use magazine cuttings, make sketches etc for this term’s work.
Design work; you will look closely at areas of your images using frames to help identify areas of interest. From this you will consider changing the scale and how to abstract designs. Patterns and shapes will be examined using techniques including Notan. You will be introduced to basic colour theory.
Dyeing techniques; you will be shown how to use procion dyes to dye the colour wheel and graduated dyeing with small pieces of cotton, silk and organdie.
Stitch techniques; you will learn how to use
• the programmed stitches on your machine to create a small stitched reference booklet.
• free motion stitching in a hoop using stabilisers.
• Basic applique
• Work with solubles including making slips with sheers and wire
• Create new fabrics using painted bonding materials and fusing effects
• Machine couching, making cords, braids and plaques
Assessment for Term one. A panel or wall-hanging.
Term two
The theme for this term is Looking at the Past You will be expected to take photos, complete research, do sketches etc. ready for the first session of term.
Design work; you will identify shape(s) from your research and create stencils. Alternative colour palettes will be explored using wax resists and washes
Surface Design using a microwave to colour fabric
Stitch techniques;
• Darning – make do and mend,
• Padded and Raised work
• Deconstructing fabric using Drawn and Pulled work techniques.
• Cut work including eyelets and buttonholes
• Cutting, slashing and Faux Chenille
• Shadow work and using solubles to make lace like fabrics
• Insertions and links joining and fastenings
• Edging treatments and finishings
Assessments for Term two. A Scarf, stole or wrap
Term three
The theme for this term is Looking to the Future
Planned Educational visit to the Tate Modern in London
Research into a Contemporary Embroiderer which will be presented to the group
Design Work; using a contemporary design source e.g., a modern art work or sculpture research shape, line and colour. Investigating methods of creating form for constructing solid structures.
Dyeing – Transfer dyeing
Stitch Techniques –
• stitch as infill including colour blending
• stitching to produce slips including the use of wire
• tension techniques including raised whip and cable stitch and couching
• narrative threads
• making 3D structures
• making delicate structures using soluble fabrics
Assessment for term three: A 3D item – bowl, box, vase or other 3D container
Applications closed for 2023 Now booking for Sept 2024.
