Passementerie – linen and rayon multiple mould tassels with Anna Crutchley

Ref: SWE33117

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About this course

Learn the traditional techiques of tassel-making for interior decoration, as practised in trimmings workshops in the UK and Europe, and learn how to use a set of wooden moulds with high quality yarns.

Course Description

Working with a set of wooden moulds, you will learn how to roll a tassel mould with a cord, cover a tassel mould vertically with yarn, and make a cut skirt. The tassel will be assembled with a 3 strand cord, made on a hand-held cordtwister. High quality linen and rayon yarns will be used in a colour range that includes rich and strong, as well as soft and subtle, combinations. Techniques are taught by demonstration, followed by careful individual guidance and discussion.

There will be an illustrated lecture on the history of passementerie, and how trimmings – including weaving, cordspinning and tassel making - are made in a professional workshop.

By the end of the course, you will have completed one tassel, demonstrating a range of basic techniques to a high standard of finish and balanced colour.

Course Materials

Included

  • 1 x small tube of Uhu clear glue

What students need to bring

  • A tape measure and ruler
  • A hair comb
  • Wire snips, if you have them
  • Good sharp scissors – one large and one small pair
  • A selection of sewing needles, including one about 6–8cm long with an eye big enough to take a button thread
  • A small tube of Uhu clear glue

Available to buy

  • Available from shop:
  • The tutor will bring along a range of tassel moulds, gimps and yarns for students to purchase; these will cost around £15–20, depending on the size and shape. This charge should be paid to the tutor before the end of the course, by cash, BACS or cheque.

Additional information

Wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear i.e. no open-toes or sandals. Safety boots, if specified.

Timetable

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included)
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential

Daily timetable
Course teaching 9.15am - 5pm (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included for residential students)
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed

Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm (lunch included)
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am

Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required

General Information

Tutors

Anna Crutchley textiles

Anna Crutchley

Anna Crutchley trained in woven textiles and is a designer-maker of bespoke furnishing trimmings which she produces for furniture restorers, upholsterers, heritage organisations, interior decorators and private clients. She is teacher with 30 years experience and her inspirational books on passementerie have become key texts.

Accommodation

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

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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.