Textile book project
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- Start Date: 30 Oct 2025End Date: 27 Nov 2025Thu (Evening): 18:00 - 21:00OnlineFull fee £239.00 Senior fee £191.00 Concession £155.00
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 course aims to allow you to work independently to develop a textile book of your chosen theme. It could be political, personal, based on a journey, your favourite place, a story or a poem.
You will research and develop your theme exploring it through material experimentation such as mark making, layering, appliqué, using text, photos, hand and machine stitch. You will learn the basics of how to make a scroll book, concertina book and a hand stitched bound book (Japanese stab binding). We will also discuss the benefits of using recycled cloth, you can repurpose old worn out cloths, bed sheets blankets or tea towels to make your book.
What will we cover?
• Looking at other Artist’s approaches to making textile books.
• How to identify and research your own theme to develop your ideas and outcomes.
• Discuss different types of textile book and what fabrics/materials are suitable for using.
• Discuss the benefits of using repurposed textile in your textile projects.
• Explore a mixed media approach to making the pages: mark making, layering, applique, using text, photos, hand and machine stitch.
• Learn the basics of how to make a scroll, concertina and a hand stitched bound book (Japanese stab binding).
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Research different artist’s approach to textile books.
• Explore ways to come up with theme or narrative for your book.
• Experiment with a mixed media approach to making the pages
• Consider how to incorporate text in your book.
• Make decisions on the colour scheme and the impact your choice will have.
• Learn different ways of constructing fabric books.
• Complete your own textile book.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is mixed ability, suitable for beginners or more experienced stitchers who want to learn new skills.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
• Practical demonstrations.
• PowerPoint presentations.
• Group and individual discussion..
• Using headphones with microphones will block out all room noise in sessions.
• If you are using a tablet or mobile device you will need a microphone, and optionally a camera.
• You will require a good broadband connection as mobile data 3G/4G or a mobile dongle will not provide sufficient bandwidth for live sessions.
Please note that this is an online course and you will need access to a computer or laptop. Ideally with a fully updated google Chrome browser.
You will be taught using Zoom for the live sessions with your tutor.
You will receive an email 2.5hrs before your session starts with details of the live session link. Please be aware you will need to check your email address associated with your account within this time frame before the sessions start.
This course is supported by Google Classroom, as a Virtual Learning Environment. When you log on you will be able to access course material, presentations, and handouts. You will be asked to complete learner progress records.
You can find help via the student help centre on the City Lit website.
Please note it is important that you sign up and log in to your course Google classroom prior to the first session.
Joining details will be sent to you via email (check your junk/spam folder).
You are encouraged to work on your book outside of the sessions to complement progression on this course.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You will need a selection of:
- different papers
- stranded embroidery cotton
- Needles, pins and embroidery scissors.
- items of sentimental value such as photos, page from a book, ribbon, beads.
The tutor will share ideas on what you can collect for this project in the first session.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
City Lit runs a wide range of textile courses that focus on embroidery, embellishment and experimental textiles.
Please view the website for upcoming courses.
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.
Lara Hailey is a textile artist and educator. Lara studied at Goldsmiths college and has taught at a number of London colleges, galleries and museums. She has exhibited her work throughout the UK and been involved in curating and facilitating community art projects.
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.