Textile Arts: Multicultural Traditions

Even the most contemporary fabric decorations embrace skills handed down through the ages in many cultures. In fact, this variety of techniques and approaches gives textile design a wonderful stylistic richness. Enhance your own pieces--whether embroidery, appliqué, tie-dyeing, or batik--with these internationally inspired projects. Shisha mirrorwork from India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan features beautiful star motifs and random crosses, perfect on shirts. Panamanian mola panels, with their wonderfully simple shapes and exuberant colors, have a delightful folk art quality. Cotton cloths from Nigeria and Sierra Leone combine tie-dye and stitch-resist. Or, try decorative techniques such as pleating, rouleaux, and ruching, reminiscent of the European 19th-century and Asian dress. Simple instructions on all these methods will open wide your design repertoire.