What is the course about?
If you have no experience of making textiles but have always wanted to try it out, then this is for you. It is a practical course where you will learn some basic techniques and understand some of the key elements of design.
This course will prepare you for lots of the other textile courses at City Lit.
What will we cover?
- Colour mixing and colour schemes
- How to use a sewing machine for machine embroidery
- How to use bondaweb and the heat press or iron for appliqué
- We will look as some ways of using repeat shapes with colour, texture and line
- How to use a view finder to select an interesting composition
- You will work on both paper and fabric using fabric paint and will be introduced to block printing using simple blocks
- We will also look at the work of some contemporary textile artists and makers.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Use a sewing machine for machine embroidery
- Use bondaweb and hand stitch for simple appliqué
- Use fabric paint to colour and mark fabric and make textures
- Use a view finder to select composition
- Design using positive, negative and repeated shapes
- Understand the terms tone, line, texture, positive and negative within textiles.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
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?
The course will be very practical with demonstrations illustrated with samples .
Individual practical work will follow, supported by the tutor with additional demonstrations and help when needed.
There will be a small amount of work outside of the class such as looking up the work of selected makers, extending tasks done in class.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
All basic materials will be provided by the college although you may wish to supplement this with some small
pieces of coloured or patterned fabric of your own choice for appliqué. If you would like to buy art materials for your personal use outside of the course, City Lit students receive 10% discount off everything* from Cass Art, the UK's leading art supplies retailer. Your tutor will advise you on what you should buy. You will need to show your enrolment receipt in-store to receive your discount. Visit the Charing Cross shop at 13 Charing Cross Road WC2H 0EP or find your local shop at www.cassart.co.uk. *Terms and conditions apply, visit www.cassart.co.uk/students.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Friday from 12:00 – 19:00.
See the course guide for term dates and further details
