Textiles: experimental hand stitch
Create experimental and expressive samples using traditional and non-traditional materials.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
Course Code: VO714
Duration: 5 sessions (over 5 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
This course will stretch and challenge your thinking of how hand stitching can be used.
Whether you are a beginner or have some experiences, it is an opportunity for you to adopt a more experimental approach with embroidery. Working through a series of guided exercises you will learn/revisit a range of stitches and techniques, and be encouraged to break the rules of traditional embroidery. The end outcome will be a range of exciting and imaginative samples that demonstrate a very individual and personal response.
This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
In each session, you will be introduced to a range of different techniques and stitches for you to creatively interpret into samples. These will include stitches from the chain family, buttonhole, loop and knotted family. Working with simple design exercises you will look at different ways of using stitch to build up texture, pattern, colour work and use of expressive line. You will explore and experiment with unusual materials, both to stitch with and on.
The aim will be for you to work on samples that can be used as to part of a portfolio or for personal development and enjoyment.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Chose the appropriate type of thread and needle for different tasks
• Demonstrate a use of basic hand stitches and techniques
• Build confidence it experimenting with a range of hand stitches
• Identify and use a range of traditional and non-traditional materials
• Create a range of experimental hand embroidered samples
• Use the elements of design to inform your work.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is suitable for all levels, beginners will be introduced to a range of basic hand stitch techniques and encouraged to use non-traditional materials. More experienced students will have the opportunity to try out a wide range of experimental stitch techniques and build on current skills.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The sessions will take place online and will generally comprise of:
• Presentation and discussion
• Demonstration of techniques
• Set practical exercises to be completed individually
• Informal review and homework tasks
Online resource, inspiration and handouts with be available to download for each session. To maximize participation, learner preparation and homework outside class times is strongly encouraged.
Handouts and course information can also be accessed via our Google classroom eLearning portal. Details on how you can login will be sent to you prior to the start date.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
As this course will be delivered online, you will need:
• Using headphones with microphones will block out all room noise in sessions.
• You will require a good broadband connection as mobile data 3G/4G or a mobile dongle will not provide sufficient
• Bandwidth during live sessions
• A range of threads and yarns in assorted colours, weights and textures
• Any unusual materials to stitch with/on - raffia, plastic, etc.
• A selection of fabric pieces as a base to stitch on
• A range of needles.
Guidance will be provided prior to the start of the course in the selection of materials. The aim will be to try and use materials you already have / recycle materials; however, a list of suppliers will be provided in case you wish to purchase some low cost items.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You will have a versatile body of sketchbook work that can be developed further in numerous textile mediums.Hand stitching techniques lend themselves to be transferred into a variety of textile outcomes from quilting, stitching and applique through to handprint, digital crafts and so on.
City Lit offers a wide range of courses in Contemporary Textiles and Crafts where you can explore these possibilities.
Please browse the website to view our upcoming courses.
General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library from Monday to Friday from 10:00 – 12:00 then 14:00 – 18:00.
Amarjeet Nandhra is an artist and educator, originally trained in Graphic and Printed Communications. She went on to gain a first class honours degree in Creative Arts. She has exhibited nationally and internationally , both independently and as a member of Studio 21 Textile art and Textile Study Group . Amarjeet’s teaching experience covers a range of courses; printmaking, mixed media and contemporary stitched textiles. She has taught at Diploma level, City & Guilds and Adult Education, both in Spain and the UK. Her current practice explores the narrative of cloth within a social, economic and cultural setting. This work examines the hidden meaning, looking beyond the aesthetic sensibility of these textiles.
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.