F.A.Q.

1. How can I get started?

It is very easy to get started. You could start to collect images, motifs, prints, articles, fabrics and yarns that are of interest to you. Put these in a scrap book or display them on a mood board. Try to visit exhibitions, shows or events. Get a sketch/scrap book and start doing your own pieces of work. Find out if there are any local events or workshops that you could participate in where you might meet up with people who share your interests. Find out if local colleges or schools run any textile classes that you could attend.

2. Do you have to be good at drawing?

You don’t have to be good at drawing, but you do need to be able to draw, which all of us can do. You will become better at drawing with practice, so get drawing straight away. Carry a small sketchbook with you and whenever you see something that interests you - draw it!

3. What courses are available?

There are many courses that are available, from A-levels and National Diplomas to Degrees. The types of courses are endless, from Interior Design to Fashion. To find out more about the courses and places that you can study them, search on the Internet. Go to www.google.co.uk and type in ‘textile courses’, and you should have access to all the universities and colleges that offer textile courses and what you will need to do to get on to the courses.

4. What kinds of career can this lead to?

Textile art can lead on to many career paths. Career examples include interior designing, fashion designing, print sampling, merchandising, fashion buying, window display, costume design, theatre work, window dressing, or starting your own creative business.

5. Is it expensive to do this?

Getting involved in textile art can be expensive. However, it does not mean that you can't get involved. You can slowly start to build on your range of products. Buy the basic materials and equipment. When it comes to buying paints, just buy the primary colours to start with, and black and white. With these basic colours you will be able to mix endless colours.

As your confidence and skills build, you can start to build on your collection as well.

Tip: Always shop around some places do offer discounts/promotions.

6. Where is the best place to buy materials and equipment?

There are many places that you can go to buy materials and equipment:

WHSmith offers a wide range of basic art equipment at a very reasonable price.
To buy fabrics - many Indian fabric shops offer a very extensive range of elaborate, vibrant, colourful and textured fabrics.
Mail ordering is another good way of buying specialist materials and equipment.

Tip: You need to make sure that you buy the product that is right for your needs and skill ability.

Most craft magazines contain a list of suppliers in the back of the magazine. WHSmith stocks a good range of craft magazines. (Some stores will order in some magazines for you - this does take a couple of weeks).
Going to exhibitions/fairs -there are usually stands there where you will be able to purchase some products. This is always a good place to find materials, as there will be a wide range of products all under one roof. Also you can usually ask for a demonstration (many stalls put on demonstrations at certain times in the day), you can ask questions, and you will be advised on what would be the most suitable product for what you want to do.
Exhibitions and fairs like the Knitting and Stitch Show are extremely busy throughout the whole day. So be prepared!

Tip: Do not feel obliged to buy any products from a stand where you have been asking questions or demonstrations.