Textiles: contemporary tapestry for improvers

About this course

Participants translate drawings, collages, photographs or suggested artistic references into woven compositions. The course develops shape building, slit management, smooth curves, clean joins, optical colour blending and textured surfaces, alongside warp-tension control and distortion prevention. Teaching combines visual presentations, demonstrations, guided sampling, structured exercises, individual feedback and group critique. Studio practice leads towards a completed or near-completed tapestry, supported by a technical sample archive, with attention to finishing, mounting and presentation.

What you'll learn

• Translate imagery into a considered woven composition
• Manage advanced shapes, slits, curves and joins
• Blend colours using hachure, hatching and layering
• Control warp tension to maintain structural stability
• Integrate raised areas and mixed fibres into woven surfaces
• Finish, mount and present a tapestry

Is this course right for you?

This course is intended for improvers working at intermediate level and beyond fundamental tapestry techniques. Previous completion of a frame loom or introductory tapestry course, or equivalent experience, is required, including familiarity with warp and weft structure. Learners should be comfortable working independently with a loom and taking part in individual tuition and group critique.

• Previous tapestry or frame loom experience is required
• Independent loom work forms part of the course
• No formal work outside class is required

Before you go

• Frame looms are provided, though participants may bring their own.
• Bring a sketchbook and any visual references to translate into weaving.
• Specific yarns may need to be purchased depending on the chosen design.