Designing and Printing Textiles

This book follows the creative process of designing and printing textile patterns, from the initial sourcing of ideas to the final high-quality creation. It provides ideas and practical information at a level easily accessible to textile students and designers, but also to novices who would like to learn more. Throughout, the text is enhanced by an exciting range of images, from historical surface-pattern designs and textiles to the work of contemporary designers. Topics include advice on generating ideas and expressing them visually; a cultural and historical background to surface-pattern design; experimental methods of working from paper onto fabric; and practical details on fabrics, equipment, and techniques for dying and printing. June Fish teaches at London’s Central St. Martins College for Art and Design.

Admittedly, it is a tough thing to make the transition from academia to popular publishing. Plus, the topic of Professor Fish's first book is one missing from the library and reference shelves. So, with that combination--a need for specific knowledge and a subject matter expert--this how-to on textile design is recommended. Fish begins with a close scrutiny of the creative process, aka "sourcing ideas and researching surface pattern," then progresses to practical matters, such as traditional and digital techniques and printing recipes for dyes, silk screen, and the like. Color photographs--documenting step-by-step processes and student (we assume) projects--are included, but the resolution and detail leave much to be desired. So, too, the narrative, which leans toward a stilted prose. Nonetheless, a good foundation for continuous improvement. Appended: health and safety; bibliography and suggested further reading. Barbara Jacobs
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