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This 6-week course takes you through a complete circular design journey — from archive research and material exploration to natural dyeing and the development of a final garment or textile outcome.
Open to beginners through to intermediate learners, the course is suitable whether you are new to textile and fashion making or already have some experience and want to develop your practice further.
You will explore fashion and textile collections through a visit to the V&A East Storehouse, using archive objects, colour, construction, surface and material details as inspiration for your own ideas. You will then work with deadstock and reclaimed textiles, exploring how existing materials can be reused, adapted and transformed.
Through practical sessions, you will experiment with natural dyeing, botanical colour and textile manipulation, before developing your samples into a final garment, accessory or textile piece. The emphasis is on experimentation, creative reuse and developing your own individual response rather than producing one set outcome.
Over the six weeks you will explore:
Circular design principles and material thinking
Archive research, observation and visual development
Deadstock and reclaimed textile sourcing
Natural dyeing and plant-based colour
Sampling, textile transformation and design development
Garment or textile construction
A final outcome and informal sharing/showcase
This is a practical, experimental course combining research, design and hands-on textile making. You will work individually while sharing ideas and techniques within the group. Sessions will include demonstrations, sampling, discussion and independent development time.
You do not need to have advanced sewing or dyeing skills. Beginners will be supported with the fundamentals, while learners with more experience will be encouraged to develop techniques and ideas at a more advanced level.
Most specialist materials and equipment will be provided during the course. You may be asked to bring basic sewing equipment, a sketchbook/notebook and suitable clothing or an apron for dyeing sessions.
As your project develops, you may choose to bring additional old garments, fabric offcuts, deadstock or reclaimed textiles that you would like to transform.
There will also be a course visit to the V&A East Storehouse as part of the research and inspiration stage.
This course can support progression into further courses in fashion, textiles, garment making, natural dyeing, sustainable design and upcycling.
You can also continue developing your final piece into a personal project, portfolio work or a wider collection of textile samples and design ideas.
See how long it will take you to get to college. Please select the campus of the course you wish to study.