Our wide range of fashion and textiles courses offer students both practical guides and bags of creative motivation, providing opportunities for learners to explore the traditional and contemporary. We offer beginner courses for learners who want an introduction to sewing through to intermediate classes that focus on specific techniques such as shibori and creative machine embroidery. Our classes support experimental approaches as well as more traditional skills.
Our team of experienced artists and expert tutors work with learners, supporting you to overcome barriers and realise personal ambitions. Our purpose built studio provides access to industry standard equipment, height adjustable tables and chairs and good natural light. Just down the hall learners can combine their hand making with digital design by joining one of our textile design courses.
The textiles community at City Lit is very strong, don’t be surprised if you join a class with someone who has attended that class before. We value all our learners and welcome new students to contribute and diversify our burgeoning community.
All of our courses have basic materials provided but please read the full course outline before you book as the tutor will list anything you need to bring along.
We host exhibitions throughout the year at City Lit Gallery where our students showcase their amazing work.
Any questions? Contact our visual arts team on visual.arts@citylit.ac.uk
Courses available both in-person and online
We offer a range of long and short courses allowing you to choose between in-person and online learning.
Learn in the centre of London with our in-person courses. Our purpose-built facilities in Covent Garden mean we are ideally located and easy to get to.
Learn the basics of handweaving on a frame loom. Explore traditional rug making techniques to create raised surface decoration and handweaving in plain weave pattern. Create a series of samples, and design and create your own contemporary weave combining techniques.
A creative exploration of colour and abstract design for textiles. Explore and develop your understanding of colour using using paper dyes to create your own abstract imagery.
This course is ideal if you know how to crochet and want to progress from the basic stitches. Learn advanced techniques such as shaping, working in the round, cluster stitches and reading patterns.
Explore the creative possibilities of collage, developed into a sketchbook for textiles. Produce surfaces using mark making and mixed media including the use of fabric and simple print. Collect visual research and develop ideas towards your own personal projects.
Take your knitting beyond simple stocking stitch, adding colour and texture by playing with stitches, stripes and learning techniques such as lace and Aran knitting.