Introduction To Woven Textiles

Workshop description
The Auckland University of Technology’s Textile and Design Lab presents this introductory level 2-day hands-on workshop, which has been designed to help those who wish to gain an understanding of weaving principles and the digital weaving design process using the lab’s recently acquired TC2 digital loom.

The workshop focuses on the use of this digital technology to convert designs into woven fabrics with the aid of Adobe Photoshop. The workshop will appeal to artists, fabric developers, handweavers, researchers, textile designers and anyone wishing to gain an understanding of woven fabrics and how they can easily be produced on the TC2 loom.

Limited participant numbers will apply to ensure a quality learning experience.

Workshop presenter
The workshop is presented by Mitali Nautiyal, a current AUT PhD student, who holds a Master’s degree in Textile Design and Development and a Master of Pholosophy in Clothing and Textiles. She has worked in Design and Product Development roles for large textile and apparel export businesses in India before relocating to New Zealand to conduct her PhD research in the field of sustainability in textiles.

Workshop content
Day One:
- An introduction to weaving theory including loom types and their key components.
- The differences between basic designs, dobby and jacquard designs will be explained.
- Yarn criteria, weave patterning variables, ancillary processes and commercial considerations will be discussed.
- Warp preparation for the TC2 loom.
- TC2 loom components and loom set up will be explained.
- The advantages of developing fabrics on the TC2 loom will be discussed.
- An overview of the design process for the TC2 loom will be given.
- A practical session based in our computer lab in which the use of Photoshop as a tool for creating traditional woven patterns, photographic designs and multi-colour designs for fabrics on the TC2 loom will be taught.

Day Two:
- Practical sessions during which single and multi-colour woven designs will be produced on the TC2 loom.

Learning outcomes
- Participants will gain an understanding of weaving principles, processes and related terminology.
- An understanding of the design processes for creating digitally woven fabrics will be attained.
- Participants will be equipped, with limited supervision, to produce their own fabrics on the TC2 loom should they wish to do so at a later stage.

Participant requirements
- This is an introductory level workshop and no prior knowledge of woven textiles or Adobe Photoshop is required.

What to bring
- Materials are provided but please bring refreshments with you for morning and afternoon breaks and lunch. There are cafes in the locality that cater for all dietary requirements.