Introduction to Tapestry

Pre-requisites for enrolment

No experience of designing and weaving tapestry is needed.

Special Information

Essential materials you will need to bring to the first class:

• Ring-bound sketchbook 

• Visual inspiration –  a visual diary or sketchbook which can contain: printed materials such as your own or found photos, drawings, paintings (your own or by other artists)

• Scissors

• Tapestry needles

• Ruler / measuring tape

• Felt pen, non-waterproof

• Any unusual threads / yarns you have and might like to experiment with

• Camera

Additional recommended materials and equipment students can provide:

• Specialist equipment you may find useful

• Table clamps for tapestry loom

Materials and equipment provided for students as part of the course and included in course fee:

• Selection of warp and weft yarn

Materials and equipment available for purchase during the course: 

• Tapestry frame

• Bobins

Content of Course

Day 1

Introduction to historic and contemporary tapestry. Exploring a range of traditional weaving materials. Setting up a loom. Controlling your weft tension. Developing a research journal / sketchbooks.

Day 2 

Creating, shapes, curves and lines in woven tapestry. Exploring the structure of weave / dealing with slits. Presenting your work.

Teaching method(s)

This course will be based and delivered in specialist art and design studios or workshops and will typically include a range of practical exercises, introductions to techniques, processes and concepts, and set projects which lead to more focused and personal exploration.

Each day, students’ progress will be monitored and supported by the tutor who will encourage and guide you through a ‘directed study plan’ This will include researching a range of suggested artists or designers and their associated movements to engender a contextual awareness of the discipline being taught as well as how to annotate and evidence this within a sketchbook and practical outcomes.

Teaching will include practical demonstrations, one to one tuition, group discussions and critiques.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Develop an understanding of contemporary tapestry weaving as creative medium.

• Produce a woven sample exploring a range tapestry techniques.

• Finishing and presenting your work for display.

Sources

Core Readings

Recommended:

• Soroka. Joanne Tapestry Weaving. Design and technique. 2011 Crowood Press

• Tapestry. A woven narrative. Black Dog Publishing

• Phillips. B 1994. Tapestry. Phaidon Press

• Telos Books. Art Textiles of the World & Artist Monographs

Magazines:

• Selvage, Crafts Magazine, The Journal of WSD, Textile Forum, Fiberarts., Embroidery

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email COL@ed.ac.uk or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.