Textiles
Any cloth whether beaten, woven or knitted comes under the heading of textiles: everything from blankets, wall hangings, garments and bags – traditional techniques to new fabric constructions. Historically thought of as a domestic craft, textiles have enjoyed a recent resurgence and are now generally accepted as an appropriate medium for artistic expression.
Terms: Weaving incorporates fibres, usually at right angles to each other – the warp is held on a loom, while the weft passes from side to side. It is the sequence of these crossing threads that creates the surface pattern of the fabric. Knitting and crochet involve a single interlocking thread. Sewing and embroidery, leatherwork and printed textiles also come under this banner. All of these techniques can be used in isolation, together, or combined with unexpected materials such as metal or paper.
Look out for: Some makers create their work from scratch. The raw fibre may have been carded and spun before being dyed with natural or synthetic dyes. Patterns and textures may have been created by skillful use of techniques such as double-cloth weaving, or ikat weaving, where the threads are tied and dyed before being woven. While fashion accessories such as scarves will always be popular, look out for textiles used out of context or with unusual materials. Knitwear in Fashion by Sandy Black is a great introduction to the crossover between fashion and art textiles.
Katy Bevan ©2006
Scarf and ties by Jane Keith