Grow your own clothes: flax and nettles with Allan Brown

Ref: S3D35949

Book now

Places available

About this course

Learn how to extract and process the fibres from home grown flax and foraged wild nettle and spin them into yarns ready for creating beautiful textiles.

Course Description

On this course we will learn about two of our traditional European bast fibres, namely flax and nettles, how they are grown or gathered and how to extract and process their fibres. As well as the practicalities of growing and foraging these plants, we will learn about their long history and use in the UK, the folklore and mythology that surrounds them and the increasing role they will play in the future.

We will learn to twist simple cordage from the fibres and how to make primitive rope, laying the foundation for the spinning of yarn on drop spindles. We will learn to spin using wool as well the bast fibres we have extracted from the plants as well as some commercially grown flax fibre.

We spend a full day on flax; learning how to source seed, how and where to grow it, when to harvest it, the drying, the storing and the art of retting flax. We will then take retted flax stalks through the processing stages, learning and practically doing the breaking, scutching, hackling of the fibres. We will discuss ‘tow’, the shorter fibres, and how best to prepare and spin those, as well as the fine, long ‘line fibres’ which will need to be spun from distaffs. By the end of the day, you will be spinning both flax ‘tow’ and the long ‘line fibres into linen threads.

We will spend the second day specifically on nettles and look at various methods for extracting the fibre and follow the steps necessary to take it from living plant through to spun thread and woven cloth. We will handle samples and examples of nettle yarn and cloth and yarn as well as looking at Himalayan Nettle and the Nepalese nettle tradition. By the end of the day, you will have created your own nettle thread from foraged nettles.

By the end of the course, students will have a thorough understanding of these fibre, food and medicinal plants and have gained the knowledge and confidence to forage nettles and grow their own flax and to take it from plant right through to spun fibre ready for weaving, knitting, basketry and macramé.

Please note that this course will be held in the sculpture courtyard, not in the house studios. The courtyard is located on the same side as the West Dean Gardens entrance, about a ten-minute walk from the main house reception.

Course Materials

Included

On this course the tutor will supply all of the materials used, including flax and nettles. West Dean will supplement the course with additional spinning wheels and carding brushes to use during the course.

What students need to bring

  • Notebook and pen for taking notes
  • Although drop spindles and a few spinning wheels will be provided, you may wish to bring your own if you have them
  • Leather or gardening gloves
  • Secateurs

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes). Possible equipment restrictions in tutor absence.

Please note: Your workshop will be in the Sculpture Courtyard which is a ten-minute walk from the main house through the walled garden or can be accessed by car. The Sculpture Courtyard is open on one side so be prepared for any type of weather. Morning coffee and afternoon tea will be held in the nearby Carrington Studio. You will return to the main house for lunch.

Timetable

Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above

Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.

6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).

8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.

Daily timetable

Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.

From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).

Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Last day

Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.

Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.

(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)

General Information

Tutors

Credit Zoe Burt

Allan Brown

Allan is a weaver, spinner, and dyer with a focus on sustainability, traditional crafts and natural fibres, notably nettles, flax, hemp and wool.

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

Courses of interest

Tapestry weaving – learn the basics

Online
Buy course
Tutor: Philip Sanderson |
Beginners
£57

Textile basketry - exploring twining

Online
Buy course
Tutor: Mary Crabb |
Suitable for all
£47

Mark-making in tapestry weaving

Online
Buy course
Tutor: Phil Sanderson |
Intermediate
£57
Nowhere Tapestry by Philip Sanderson

Tapestry weaving – the art of translation

28 Feb 2025 to 2 Mar 2025 | West Dean
Places available
Tutor: Philip Sanderson |
Intermediate
£321

Further study options

Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study. 

Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.