Textiles: monoprinting and hand stitch

What is the course about?

An exciting and experimental approach to mono printing, construction and embellishment on to fabric. You will explore a number of different mono printing techniques, using fabric paints. These techniques will be on plain and patterned fabrics, providing the foundation for overprinting and bonding to create your prints. The prints will be developed further, using manipulation and hand stitching methods. This course is suitable for all levels.

What will we cover?

Using personal imagery, you will produce simple design ideas suitable to inspire your prints. You will be introduced to a range of different mono printing techniques, using additive and subtractive methods, such as painted, drawn, wiped and the use of masks. The aim is to create a set of prints, which explore the use of colour, mark making, patterns and texture. These prints can be cut, appliquéd and bonded to produce layered prints. You will also explore the use of hand stitching in a dimensional and or decorative manner.

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

All students:
- Demonstrate an understanding of basic mono printing methods
- Produce a set of prints inspired by personal imagery
- Use appliqué and basic hand stitch to embellish prints
- Identify basic colour theory

Students with some experience will also:
- Create a range of samples exploring a combination of print techniques
- Use a range of hand stitches in an expressive manner.
- Produce samples that use construction to create dimension.

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

The course is suitable for all levels; beginners will be introduced to basic print methods and to some hand stitching. More experienced students will have the opportunity to try a wider range of approaches, techniques and build on existing skills. Please be aware that the class will be made up of students of differing levels of experience.

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, handouts 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 set practical exercises, which are supported by demonstrations, discussions, illustration and handouts.
Tutorials will take place individually, with small groups and with the group as a whole.

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

Basic materials are provided. However, you will need to bring in some form of imagery to inspire your mono prints. This could be photographs, drawings or even small objects. You may wish to bring some patterned fabrics, your tutor will advise you further.
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When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Following on from this course, you could go on to study a range of courses in print and stitch at City Lit. These include: VX203 Textiles: experimental hand stitch 1 taught by Amarjeet Nandhra, VX951 / VX955 City Lit textiles: surface, structure, stitch or VX952 / VX957 City Lit textiles: colour, print, pattern taught by Louise Baldwin or VX336 Printed textiles: the basics taught by Caroline Bartlett.