Introduction to Tapestry Techniques

Pre-requisites for enrolment

No previous knowledge of the subject is required.

Special Information

Essential materials and equipment students must provide themselves:

• Sketchbook

• Pair of scissors - Small fine pointed embroidery scissors

• Tapestry needles

• Ruler / measuring tape

• Felt pens (non-waterproof)

Other specialist equipment you will need during the course:

• Your own wooden weaving frame

• Painting canvas stretcher is ideal approx. 45cm x 55cm

• Yarns and materials you would like to experiment with

• Tapestry bobbins

• Table clamps (optional)

Content of Course

Each session students will focus be introduced to various aspects in relation to the course. The sessions will explore a combination of contextual references and practical exercises and demonstrations, which include:

1. An introduction to historic and contemporary tapestry weaving approaches.

2. Setting up a frame loom and starting a research sketchbook.

3. Shading using hatching.

4. Explore a range of techniques such as eccentric wefts.

5. Drawing in weave – the use of soumac and ressaut.

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. This is supported by practical demonstrations, group discussions, contextual references and one-to-one support.

Learning outcomes

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

• Demonstrate an understanding for the techniques used in historical tapestry through a range of research.

• Set up a tapestry loom and demonstrate techniques used in historic tapestry.

• Explore how these approaches can be used in contemporary tapestry

Sources

Core Readings

Recommended:

• Soroka, J., 2011 Tapestry Weaving. Ramsbury: Crowood

• Beutlich, T., 1967 The Technique Of Woven Tapestry. London: Batsford

• Wilcox, T., Mathison F. and Penney, C., 2011 Tapestry. London: Black Dog

• Telos. Textiles of the world (set of contemporary textile art book)

Web Sources

www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/tapm/hd_tapm.htm

 The Met                                         

www.vam.ac.uk/page/t/tapestry

Victoria and Albert Museum           

www.weaversbazaar.com

Weavers Bazaar                                   

www.handweavers.co.uk

The Handweavers Studio and Gallery 

www.americantapestryalliance.org

American Tapestry Alliance                

www.dovecotstudios.com

Dovecot Studios, Edinburgh                   

www.victapestry.com.au/news_index.aspx

Australian Tapestry                              

Class Handouts

Will be provided as required.

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.