Kantha is a centuries-old tradition of recycling worn-out fabrics and uses the simplest stitch in the language of embroidery: the running stitch.

During this course you will explore Kantha quilting as a method of recycling and reusing materials. You will use your personal collection of fabrics (these may have memories and stories associated with them) to create a contemporary Kantha-inspired piece.

You will begin by combining various techniques of layering and piecing to create your fabric base. The fabrics could be a blend of old and new materials. These pieces will be used to explore Kantha-inspired stitches, patterns and arrangements. Develop and use personal patterns and motifs to inform your stitching, exploring either the decorative or narrative language of stitch.

Once these motifs and patterns are completed, running stitch will be worked in blocks of different directions covering the background fabric. This gives Kantha its unique quintessential rippled effect.

The aim is to create several small exploratory samples or a small contemporary resolved textile piece.

Included

• A piece of cotton muslin supplied by the College.

What students need to bring

• The nature of the course is to recycle your own fabrics that have memories and stories associated with them, so please bring your own fabrics to use freshly washed
• Coloured background fabrics: dyed, printed or plain (light and medium weight). It is more enjoyable to use fine or medium weight fabrics, however you may wish to experiment.
• Hand embroidery thread: a range of threads to include stranded cotton, perlé, rayon, silk threads, flower thread (Avoid heavily textured threads).
• Embroidery frame /hoop - optional these may be borrowed on the course
• A sewing kit, scissors, pins
• A range of hand embroidery needles. This will depend on your thread choice
• Fabric marker pen (water soluble)
• Paper and pencil for drawing designs

Available to buy

• Available from shop:
• A range of hand embroidery needles
• Sewing kit - pins, scissors
• Available from tutor:
• Cotton muslin to be used for backing
• A small range of hand threads

Additional information

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

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)

Terms & Conditions