Random weave basketry and textile techniques

What is the course about?

This is a cross-discipline course, taught by a specialist Tutor to deliver an exciting basketry-led course.
This course would be of interest to basketry, textiles, jewellery and sculpture students, or for anyone wanting to have a new experience of making.

What will we cover?

Come with an open mind to explore, experiment and push the boundaries to look at ways in which these techniques might be combined to produce a small finished piece of work; this could be combined in the same piece to have a clear relationship between the two techniques or materials worked with. Or you may prefer to work on a small collection of samples as a springboard for future exploration.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

• Source and prepare suitable materials for Random Weave Basketry
• Source and prepare suitable materials for textiles.
• Understand how to use basic Random Weaving and textile techniques
• Investigate links between these processes to explore potential outcomes
• Describe how you might make similar work independently from the same or similar materials.

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

Beginners in basketry/textiles
Students with some previous experience of these techniques
Students who’d like to spend time - often hard to find - to explore a new approach to working

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.

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

You will be taught using a mix of demonstrations together with verbal explanations by the tutor; you will be given handouts to support this.

You will have opportunities to observe and handle samples and examples of work.
There will be a short slide presentation to introduce the course and work by contemporary makers working in the fields of basketry and textiles

There will be a small amount of homework e.g. continuing with work started in classes, preparation for next session, guided visual research, and collecting a small amount of additional found materials (optional).

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

Basic materials and equipment are provided.
Please bring a notebook, sketchbook.
Small quantities of additional/alternative materials may be available to buy.

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

City Lit has a selection of Basketry and Contemporary Craft courses for beginners to advanced learners and professional practitioners where you can further develop your skills. Please browse the website to view upcoming courses.
Our 2-year long course VA190 City Lit basketry course will open for applications in February 2025.
You are welcome to register your interest via email to visualarts@citylit.ac.uk.
General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Friday from 10:30 – 12:00 then 15:00 – 17:00.