Textile Monoprint Workshop

This workshop will explore monoprinting on to cotton or calico fabric using textile inks. Expert fabric printer Sue Weston will share her knowledge and techniques to carefully guide you through the process of creating one-off pattern prints onto squares of fabric. These can then be used to create cushion covers, bags, face masks, patchwork quilts or any small sewing project that you have in mind.

Sue will have examples of her projects made with printed fabrics, from simple patchwork throws to a cushion and glasses cases. She will also bring some small patchwork art quilts to inspire you. Once you have learned this technique, it's easy to set up and carry on at home. No special or expensive equipment is required!

Fabric pieces are generally cut to about 25 cm square to make printing easy. It won’t result in large pieces or fabric lengths so remember to read the materials list below and prepare some squares of fabric. You will start with learning how to print in one colour and gradually build to print in two or more colours on each piece of fabric, resulting in a nice pile of printed fabric to take away with you. Sue will also demonstrate the heat-setting process, to that the ink patterns remain permanent.

What is this style of printing similar to, and who would enjoy this class?

It is similar to gelli printing or other monoprinting techniques in that it can’t be repeated exactly. Results can be variable due to how thickly ink is applied. Suitable for beginners, or those who have printed before . No technical skills are required.

This workshop will appeal to those who like to experiment and enjoy the sometimes unpredictable results of printing!

The process is also fine for older children, who are often very confident with this kind of process. We recommend 11 years and above, with an adult companion.

What to prepare and bring:

Pre-washed and ironed calico or cotton homespun fabric, already cut into 25 cm squares (important). 1.2 metres will generate 16 squares (provided the fabric is 100 cm wide) Spotlight in Hastings is a good place to buy lengths. Bring more if you want to challenge yourself!

You can also bring coloured cotton such as homespun, including dark colours and black
household paint brush 1.5 inches or wider wear old clothes or bring an apron!

Any three or more removal tools from the following list – the tutor will have some to share.

Piece of bubble wrap (at least 25 by 25 cm).

Wooden stirrer sticks / popsicle sticks

Hair comb with wide teeth

Five make-up wedges (cheap ones from Kmart etc)

Kitchen sponge

Five sheets of photocopy paper, or a length of baking paper.

A few empty clean food or drink containers, such as yoghurt pots, soft drink bottles etc to use to lift ink from the glass plate.

Bring some lunch or money to buy lunch locally.

Gold coin for a cuppa at CAN!

How to pay: Either at the CAN front desk (eftpos available) or  online banking: Creative Arts Napier 03 1355 0797463 00 using REF: EV2116
Pre-payment secures your place on this course. Numbers are limited so early booking is recommended.

About Sue:

Sue Weston loves pattern and printing and has a life-long relationship with fabric, including patchworking and other sewing projects. She taught English as a second language for ten years and has also taught the fabric monoprinting techniques shown in this class.

CAN reserves the right to cancel or postpone this class with one week's notice in the rare event that we receive insufficient bookings.