Fabric Collage tutorial from DIY Thursdays

September 1st, 2009 at 04:21pm Molly

Textile Wall Art, A cloud? A bird!
You’ll need:
an embroidery hoop
background fabric
a stash of scraps
threads, pins, needles, embroidery floss
stuffing material
optional- pencil, tracing paper, fabric glue, textile paint…etc ? !
**For the demo last night, I supplied 2 design ideas. The photos that follow are using the cloud pattern (the top image). The photo below is an example using the bird pattern**

1. Make a plan (be prepared to break it…This tutorial is admittedly a bit loose. I feel strongly you should use this plan as a jumping off; feel free to go rogue at any stage, to explore and, create works that are truly your own!).

Draw your pattern shapes on a piece of white paper; tracing your hoop first to ensure your design will fit inside. *The top 3 shapes drawn above can be used for a cloud design, the bottom wing and feather shapes form a bird inspired work.*

2. Amass your scraps and choose a palette. Consider texture, different shades of the same color, accents. Look for inspiration. For example, take a peek at the works of Paul Klee for exceptional color play, Richard Diebenkorn (especially the Ocean Park series) or the landscapes of Egon Schiele. They all deal with distinct areas of color, and break up space in a geometric and interesting way.

3. Cut your pattern pieces and lay them out on your fabric.
If your scraps are really small, you can sew together (using your machine, or by hand) bits to create a large enough piece to work from. That’s what I’ve done below.

Add a patch on the cloud shape you’ve cut. Why not?

4. Starting with your largest shape, begin attaching your design to the backing fabric. Fold your edges under as you go. Use a simplified whipstitch . Leave a small unstitched opening.

5. Make it dimensional. Fill your cloud with a bit of stuffing. You can use cotton, wool, Fiberfil (I employ a chopstick to get it in there).

6. Sew closed the opening, completely attaching your shape to the background.

7. Make it yours!

a. Add more fabric shapes as you go.
*Feel free to adjust the shapes you’ve already cut to suit your taste.
*Leave some edges raw or alter placements.

b. Start ‘drawing’ with thread. Your stitches can add a linear element to your final image.
*Choose your thread colors to enhance your image.
*Use threads in different weights; peel apart embroidery floss to make a heavier or lighter stitch.
*Experiment with other embroidery stitches (google: “embroidery stitches”. There are many how to-s online).

8.Keep playing!

I work on my textile pieces for days…weeks layering materials and adding details.
Take your time and have fun!

Entry Filed under: in the studio