Kantha quilting and slow hand embroidery with Lynn Setterington

Sewing, embroidery and accessories

Ref: S2D29436

Location: West Dean
£301
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About this course

Learn hand quilting techniques, recycle cloth and explore this form of Bangladeshi Kantha quilting technique. Stitching multiple layers of fabric with coloured threads and designs to construct a small piece or sample.

Course Description

This two-day course offers an opportunity to learn a variety of quilt and slow hand embroidery techniques, focusing particularly on kantha quilting – an ancient Bangladeshi technique, stitching through double or triple layers of fabric with a running stitch to draw a design or image into the quilt’s surface.

The workshop will also explore aspects of upcycling, developing new approaches to traditional techniques and found materials. Colour mixing and an exploration of patterns and scale are likewise explored through stitch. The emphasis is on hand skills throughout.

Examples will be used throughout the workshop to highlight a range of different outcomes. By the end of the course, you will have sufficient knowledge to construct a small piece or sample using the techniques introduced. Bring your sketchbook too as you may want to translate your drawing into stitch.

Timetable

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)

Course Materials

What students need to bring

  • Embroidery threads. Bring a mix of thicknesses and colours, not just stranded
  • Half a metre of well used cotton or linen (an old pillowcase is ideal) – nothing too densely woven or thick. White or coloured is preferable, not patterned fabric.
  • Lightweight polyester or natural wadding or muslin /worn cotton to act as the fill in layers (about half a metre)
  • A variety of hand sewing needles – depending on your thread selection
  • Scissors, disappearing marker pen, pins and a measuring tape – i.e. your sewing box

Available to buy

  • Available from shop:
  • Hand embroidery needles
  • Basic sewing equipment: pins, scissors, etc.
  • Available from tutor:
  • We hope to share and swap a small amout of threads – you may want to test a new colour or yarn.
  • On this course, the tutor will supply some of the materials for upcycling and some threads and wadding. The cost of any items you use should be paid to the tutor before the end of the course, by cash or bank transfer.

Additional information

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

Tutors

Lynn Setterington

Lynn Setterington is a British textile artist particularly known for her hand-stitched cloths and Kantha quilts celebrating the ordinary and everyday. Lynn's work is held in many collections including the V&A Museum. She trained at Goldsmiths College and is an Associate Fellow of the International Quilt Study Center in Nebraska.

Accommodation

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

Courses of interest

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.