Ref: SLW37956
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 re-using 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.
A piece of cotton muslin supplied by the College
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 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
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 7.15pm for registration. Students arriving earlier are welcome to purchase dinner in the College Dining Room from 6pm.
Students meet their tutor in the Bar at 7.30pm prompt to go to studios.
First Teaching session: 7.30pm - 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*
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
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm
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.
*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options
Amarjeet Nandhra is a practising artist, working with print, mixed media and stitch. Trained in Graphic Communication, later gaining a BA in Creative Arts. She has also worked as an Art Director on various independent short films. As a freelance tutor she has taught a range of courses; printmaking, mixed media and textiles in the UK and Spain.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
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