The Japanese crafts of Katagami (stencil cutting) and Katazome (dyeing using stencils) are ancient ones in Japan, with craftsmen making the most delicate and detailed patterns and representations of nature and Japanese life on fabric.

Katagami stencils are made from Japanese washi paper, bonded together using the aged juice of the Persimmon fruit and then dried and smoked to create an almost entirely waterproof paper, ideal for stencil work.

On the first day, you will use your own design to cut a paper stencils, using Kakishibugami stencil paper provided by the tutor.

You will learn how to make and apply the traditional rice paste used as a resist, and start to use the tutor’s modern and vintage Japanese stencils, using indigo dye. The tutor will explain how to set up and maintain an indigo vat for dyeing your work.

On the second day, you will practise pattern matching with the tutor’s stencils to create larger patterns, as would have been traditional in Japan.

Your tutor will demonstrate how to apply different effects to pasted fabrics, including ombre (shades of indigo), intentionally creating surface patterns by deliberately removing some of the paste and overlaying stencils to create backgrounds.

There will also be the opportunity to use soy milk as a binder with pigments to create colour variations and to work with leaves collected from the West Dean gardens.

Nori tsutsu paper cones will be available for those who wish to try piping designs on their fabric.

Your tutor will also explain about the history of Katagami stencilling in Japan, the four types of stencil cutting techniques and show you his collection of vintage stencils.

You should leave with the skills to cut and dye with your own stencils at home.

Included

On this course, the tutor will supply some of the materials, including: Indigo and its auxilliaries Kakishibugami stencil paper Rice paste components Shinshi and other tools for applying paste (for use in the class only) Cutting knife and blades Silk mesh and lacquer, soy milk and pigments (for use in the class only)

What students need to bring

• Design inspiration for up to three small stencils (typically 10cm square)
• Pencils, paper, ruler, sketchbook, glue stick
• Fabric for dyeing - cotton and linen are best, and must be pre-washed or PFD (Two metres each is recommended.)
• Cat litter tray or washing up bowl
• Water sprayer
• Fabric scissors, paper scissors
• An apron and covered footwear Optional:
• 25 litre water container/carrier, if you wish to take home some of the indigo dyebath at the end of the course

Available to buy

Available from tutor: Kakishibugami stencil paper

Additional information

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

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.

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