An introduction to fabric printing

An introduction to simple and effective methods of printing using silkscreen and mono-printing. Using pigments, experiment with effects of opaque and transparent colour and speciality finishes such as foiling, flocking and relief effects.

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Key course information

Dates
12/06/12 - 03/07/12

Day(s)
Tue

Duration
4 weeks

Time
10:30 - 16:30

Fees
Full fee: £142
Senior fee: £100
Concession: £77

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
VX123

Availability
This date is full

This course is full

Occasionally places may become available. You can add yourself to the waiting list.

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Course outline

What is the course about?

The course is about gaining a practical understanding and experience of simple methods for printing cloth using silkscreen printing in combination with paper stencils and mono-printing. We will be using both opaque and transparent pigments and binders used in fabric printing together with more speciality finishes such as foiling and printed relief effects. You will learn how these can be combined to create layered effects of colour, texture and shape. You will have guidance in generating your own design ideas which will evolve through a range of samples and experiments towards a potential outcome such as printing on t-shirts, pillow cases, t-towels, pattern pieces etc.

What topics will we cover?

The course will cover the use of different print media with a focus on pigment printing rather than dye systems to allow for the exploration of transparent and opaque effects and speciality methods such as foiling and the use of puff binder. Working from your own ideas you will make your own stencils to use with silk screen and be able to combine this method with mono-printing. You will be encouraged to collect appropriate imagery which can aid inspiration in creating your own design work and you will be introduced to the work of fabric printers using these techniques. We will look at how fabric choices can affect the look and feel of the print and you will explore colour mixing using your own selected colour palette. The implications of working on coloured grounds will be discussed. Emphasis will be laid on colour mixing and overlays, and on effects of positive and negative, texture and shape relationships and on refining ideas through selection of what to take forward.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

· Use imagery as inspiration to make stencils
· Cut stencils and use these with silkscreen and mono-printing
· Understand how different binders work
· Apply foil and puff binder
· Understand and follow good health and safety practice
· Produce samples demonstrating different techniques
· Understand how to apply selected techniques to an item of choice.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

The course is aimed at anyone interested in learning fabric printing as a new skill. You may be new to textiles or you may have previous experience of textiles, fashion, art and design and want to add diversity to your practice.

The course complements Colour onto Cloth VX973. If you have studied Colour onto cloth, this course will provide you with the opportunity to further develop and refine your techniques, to extend your knowledge of finishes using pigments, to refine your design work and apply it to the printing of an article.

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to make basic measurements and calculations.

Please look at the rest of the course outline carefully to decide if you may benefit from support in your English and Maths skills to help you to take part fully in this class.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

You will be taught through demonstration, group and individual tuition, discussion, illustration with samples, visual presentation and practice. Techniques shown will be supported by handouts and you will be given a suppliers list. You may find it useful to research ideas, and cut stencils outside of the class and you will need to source materials to suit preferences.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Printing media are included. We provide basic fabric but you will need to bring in your own natural fabric samples (cotton, linen, silk) to suit personal preferences and to provide diversity regarding weight, colour and type of fabric and also if after some practice, you want to print on to a t-shirt, t- towel or some other format you will need to provide this after discussion with the tutor.

Please also bring
· a sketchbook
· a collection of images, sketchbook work or cuttings for use as inspiration
· a roll of masking tape,
· an overall and rubber gloves
· a plastic carrier bag.
· it is useful also to bring some screw top plastic containers if you have them for storing your mixed colour from session to session.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

The course is suitable for supporting or building on other textile and fashion related courses. Advice on other textile courses at City Lit is available from your tutor and by phoning Visual Arts on 020 7492 2700.

This course complements VX973 Colour onto Cloth which, with a focus on colour, provides an opportunity to learn about dyes and hand painting techniques and how this might combine with your pigment printing, using both silk screen and block printing.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

Please email us for advice or call us during these times:

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays - 9.00 -12.00 & 15:00-18:00

Thursdays - 9.00-12.00

Saturdays - 14.00-17.00

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

Contact us

Visual arts

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

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