Tapestry weaving – the basics plus further techniques with Philip Sanderson

Ref: S3D40576

Location: West Dean
£600

Places available

About this course

West Dean Heritage Craft Week
Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of heritage crafts with our Heritage Craft Week and learn time-honoured techniques from expert instructors. Whether you're a beginner eager to explore a new craft or an experienced artisan looking to refine your skills, you'll not only acquire practical skills but also connect with a deeper sense of history and craftsmanship.

This course will introduce you to the basic process of woven tapestry.

After setting up the warps, you will make a sample piece which covers a range of basic technqiues as a way of understanding how the materials work together to create a woven surface.

Course Description

You can select a simple colour scheme for your tapestry; this will also enable you to familiarise yourself with the process of combining colour and technique to create the right look for further weaving projects.

Initially, we will begin with traditional materials of a cotton warp with woollen weft. Once you are familiar with the basic principles of weaving, you will be able to use different yarns in the weft, and are welcome to bring any yarns that you specially wish to use. The final day of the course will include some additional techniques that look at ways of adding texture to the work.

The course will include numerous demonstrations of techniques at various stages of the course. You will work individually, with a group evaluation at the end of the course.

Topics covered include:

  • Setting up a simple frame, how to put on the warp ready for weaving
  • Construction of the woven surface, warp/weft thicknesses
  • Basic techniques: creating shapes, lines, blending and shading
  • Consideration of technical aspects, warp setting, weft, cartoon production, use of specific materials and techniques

By the end of the course, you will also be able to begin to look at ways of developing your own personal language within the medium. The samples produced are intended to be used as a future reference for when working independently.

Course Materials

Included

The cost of warp yarn and weft yarn for sampling is included.

Small weaving frames are available for use and can be purchased at the end of the course if required.

What students need to bring

  • Any yarns/materials you would like to experiment with
  • A notebook and pencil
  • A good pair of scissors
  • Any other weaving tools you have and wish to bring (bobbins, etc.)
  • One or two G clamps (these can also be borrowed from the workshop)

Available to buy

Available from shop:

  • Scissors
  • You have the option to purchase your weaving frame at the end of the course; the cost is approximately £20.

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio; this includes stout covered footwear (no open toes or sandals).

Timetable

Arrival day - first date of course
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration  
Student welcome, followed by dinner: 6.45pm (dinner included)
Teaching session: 8pm-9pm (attendance is essential)

Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am-5pm  
Morning session: 9.15am-12.45pm including coffee/tea break  
Lunch break: 12.45pm-2pm (lunch included)  
Afternoon session: 2pm-5pm including coffee/tea break  
Teaching finishes: 5pm    
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Departure day - last date of course
Course teaching: 9.15am-3pm (lunch included)  
Teaching finishes: 3pm  

Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am.
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.

General Information

Tutors

Philip Sanderson

Subject Tutor - Tapestry, Fine Art
Studio Leader - West Dean Tapestry Studio

Philip Sanderson is Leader of the Professional Tapestry Studio and a Subject Tutor on the MFA in Fine Art. He is also the Tutor for the Tapestry Foundation Diploma and a short course tutor. During his time at West Dean Philip has translated the work of a number of artists into large-scale tapestries including Marta Rogoyska, John Hubbard, Tracy Emin, and Eva Rothschild. 

Accommodation

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

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Further study options for art craft and design short courses

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.