Colour onto cloth

Develop your own designs and colour palette and explore methods of colouring cloth with dyes and pigments, through processes such as hand painting, monoprinting, block printing and screen printing using paper stencils. All levels welcome. Basic materials included.

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Key course information

Dates
24/10/09 - 01/11/09

Day(s)
Sat-Sun

Duration
2 weeks

Time
10:30 - 16:30

Fees
Full fee: £163
Senior fee: £112
Concession: £81

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
VX973

Availability
This course has finished

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
Email visualarts@citylit.ac.uk or call
020 7492 2700

Course outline

What is the course about?

• A practical understanding and experience of specific technical methods for colouring cloth using dyes and pigments, and methods such as screen printing, hand painting and block printing .
• Developing an awareness of the relationship between the fabric and colouring system.
• Developing an understanding of colour mixing using these systems.

What topics will we cover?

We will be looking at different dye and pigment systems. We will explore dye techniques using Procion dyes and
handpainting and in printing will use blocks, screens and monoprinting using pigments. Each day will focus on a
different system and method of working. Different fabric weights and types will be discussed and examined in
relation to the processes used. Emphasis will be laid on colour mixing and overlays, and on effects of positive
and negative. There will be a basic design element, where students can pursue a personal direction. Students
will also be able to design and cut their own block to print with.

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

• Produce a range of fabric samples demonstrating different techniques.
• Gain practical experience and knowledge of working with different methods and systems.
• Begin to develop an understanding of how the colours work.
• Recognise the importance of the relationship between fabric and colouring systems.

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

This is an introductory programme and is suitable for beginners wanting to work with colouring cloth for a variety
of applications such as for embroidery, manipulated and structured surfaces, and design, also providing a basic
grounding in printed textiles.

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and for health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple 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?

Demonstration, group work, individual tuition, personal exploration and discovery through practical work, illustration with samples.

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

Printing inks and dyes and basic materials are provided but you will need bring your own wider range of fabrics
and white natural fabrics such as silk, linen or cotton of different weights for dyeing and printing. You will also
need a notebook, overall and rubber gloves. Collect imagery which you find inspiring in the form of cuttings,
sketches, postcards, copies and bring these with you.

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; study support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 189 of the 09-10 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

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

There are a variety of courses in textiles including a City and Guilds in embroidery.

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.