Textiles and surface pattern: understanding repeats
This course has now started
- Course Code: VX305
- Dates: 13/04/24 - 20/04/24
- Time: 10:30 - 16:30
- Taught: Sat, Daytime
- Duration: 2 sessions (over 2 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Janie Murphy
Course Code: VX305
Duration: 2 sessions (over 2 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
The aim of the course is to go back to basics and to learn the skill of creating repeat patterns on paper and fabric. It is a very hands-on and creative, exploring fun and fast ways to build pattern by hand. This will include studying straight repeats, drop repeats, mirror repeats and complex repeats.
Good pattern has a natural flow and rhythm, and is often achieved by using a structured system of grids and guides. The course will take you through the step-by-step process of building patterns using many tricks of the trade.
In the first session you will work on paper and in the second session you will develop an idea to print on to textiles using blocks. By the end of the course you should have a range of basic pattern samples on paper and fabric.
Understanding repeat pattern is a very important skill for surface pattern design, as it enables you to cover a whole surface with a seamless design.
What will we cover?
The course will be very practical and hands on. We will start by block printing basic patterns and building them up into a number of different types of repeats. On the first day we will use drawings, tracing paper, photocopies, cutting and sticking and printing to create the basic patterns. This making process gives you the best understanding of pattern structure. On day one, you will develop one drawing or print into a large complex repeat design.
Between sessions you will be encouraged to develop your designs further using the skills you have learnt.
On the second day we will chose your favourite motif or designs to develop into a textile print. You will create simple print blocks to print a pattern on to fabric, using different colours and basic techniques. You will finish the course with basic pattern samples on paper and fabric.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Understand how to create repeat designs on paper
• Understand different types of repeats including: straight repeats, drop repeats, mirror and complex repeats
• Feel confident to create your own designs
• Produce printed repeat design on paper and fabric using blocks
• Feel inspired to take the skills forward into your work.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for complete beginners and students with a textile and/or design background. The patterns can also be applied to other surfaces, such as glass, ceramics and jewellery therefore the course is also suitable for students of these disciplines.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information. You will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do measurements and calculations.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught using a range of techniques including demonstrations, practical exercises, group and individual assistance and hand-outs.
You will be encouraged to complete additional work to be done outside of the sessions to aid your progression on the course.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Access to basic materials and resources are available as part of this course but, you may wish to bring in more specific items. Please bring ideas your ideas for visual inspiration, this could be old designs, magazine tear-outs, postcards etc. You will also need a Sketchbook or scrapbook for your drawings and designs.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
City Lit runs a range of courses in Textiles and Contemporary Crafts for beginners and advanced learners to professional practitioners. Please browse the website for our upcoming courses.
Please browse the website for all other upcoming courses.
General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Friday from 12:00 – 14:00 the 16:00 – 18:00.
Janie Murphy (b.1967 Leamington Spa, UK) studied an MA Degree in Textile Design at Central Saint Martin’s College of Art and Design, London (1993-1995). She has sold work through numerous retail outlets and galleries but more recently through The Artist Support Pledge via Instagram and The Dulwich Artist Open House. Janie currently lives in South London and works from a small studio (converted 1920’s garage) at the end of her garden. She loves drawing, painting and printmaking. Inspiration for work is taken from her environment and the garden. Her observational drawings are developed as Abstract artworks using bright colours, surface overlays, collage and prints. She has experience in teaching adults from all different backgrounds. At City Lit she runs short courses in textiles, recycling fashion and printed textiles. You can see her designs featured on: https://www.instagram.com/janiemurphy4/ https://patternbank.com/janiemurphy
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.