Hand Embroidery – (Prep.)

Contents

Syllabus (11/12*)

Year 1

You concentrate on acquiring the technical methodology of a range of embroidery techniques to the defined RSN required standard. This standard has been established over many years of teaching and is now the RSN recognised way of producing stitches

* Canvas work - introduces you to embroidery in the RSN way, starting with canvas work techniques. Through a process of sampling and investigation you will be introduced to the RSN required standard of technical ability in the stitches and mechanics involved in the making of the technical samples.
* Crewel work - you explore the techniques of crewel work. Through sampling you learn a variety of stitch techniques. Developing these stitch techniques on through self-directed sampling, you then work on a small contemporary piece of your own design.
* Blackwork - you explore the techniques of blackwork including geometrical patterns and the use of different weights of thread to achieve depth and perspective in monochrome.
* Visual language and processes 1 - you develop your own drawing and design abilities.
* Foundation goldwork - introduced to the potential of English goldwork. Through, sampling and research you develop skills in a range of historic techniques including; padding, couching cutwork, you also design, plan and work a small design which must use at least 2 techniques and a variety of gold thread types as a response to a given brief.
* Painting with a needle - you study the techniques of silk shading, which is realised principally through the use of long and short stitch.
* Contemporary project - introduces you to the demands and constraints of a 'live' project. The work completed will be in response to an external client and, as a result, this unit contributes extensively to your personal and professional development.
* Visual language and processes 2 - continuing to develop your visual abilities you are introduced to design principles that, together with further independent investigation and exploration of a variety of methods result in design developments in response to themed briefs.

Year 2

You have the opportunity to demonstrate your capacity for self-determined, self-sustained and self-directed study, which culminates in producing a major final project.

* Raised embroidery - you are introduced to a selection of the three dimensional approaches to embroidery that characterise this area of work. Once you have acquired the techniques involved you explore the effects of changing scale of thread and the introduction of different materials.
* Advanced goldwork - you study further goldwork techniques to establish and achieve the RSN high standard. New materials such as spangles, plate, and kid leathers, as well as advanced techniques of metal thread work, such as or nué and s-ing are sampled.
* Whitework - you are introduced to a selection of white work techniques. These samples include: achieving sculptural form, adding to translucent fabrics to achieve pattern and form by creating opacity, and working stitches which open up and manipulate the ground cloth into patterns.
* Design practices - series of lectures, visits, and seminars you will continue to develop your knowledge of the history of embroidery as an art form and you will be expected to complete a 1000 word report on a self directed research project critically analysing a historic embroidery technique or movement.
* Professional Development - you have the opportunity to apply your technical abilities and professional attitude to the workplace. Work Placements will take place within the RSN studio or in an external placement, according to the intended direction of each student, it could take place in a design studio, with an independent trader, with a designer/maker, at a museum, or archive, within costume, fashion, interiors, restoration, conservation or education. The placement could take place within the UK or abroad.
* Crafts in context - programme of visiting lecturers during this unit to introduce the wide range of contemporary textile applications, they may include: designers who use embroiderers, self-employed designer/makers, professionals from the museum, education, and conservation world, professional embroiderers and a talk on funding opportunities.
* Final project - opportunity to build on your previous learning and to consolidate your creative and professional interest in embroidery.

* Please note the syllabus content is for the academic year indicated and is provided as a guide. The content of the course may be subject to change.