Fabric art basics
by aisling d'art ©2006
If you're interested in fabric art but don't know where to start, here are a few basics. There are other webpages at this site that will explain more, once you've had a chance to explore your many options.
The first thing to decide is the kind of fabric art that you'd like to start with. As time permits, I'll show you simple projects to "test run" different forms of fabric art. But, for now, here are a few areas to consider:
Cloth dolls and figures
If you've always loved dolls, stuffed animals, or art figures, you may enjoy making cloth dolls and figures. You can make them entirely of fabric, or mix different materials, such as a polymer clay face, or wooden chopsticks for legs.
Cloth dolls can be as realistic or stylized as you like. You can make sewing figures or no-sew dolls. Materials can include cloth and stuffing plus needle & thread, or alternative materials.
If you're a beginner, your doll can be two pieces of fabric sewn, fused, or glued together. If you're already a fabric artist, the sky's the limit in terms of materials and techniques.
For a quick view of what others are doing with cloth dolls and mixed media figures, join my Yahoo! Group, Wild Art Dolls, and browse through the Files and Photos from our members. You can also ask questions there, and find many helpful tips in the Archives section of that website.
Quilts and wallhangings
Many people start their fabric art careers by making quilts. You can start simply, sewing together squares of fabric. Or, you can use a commercial pattern--or your own design--for a more unique statement. You can work with traditional designs, or wildly contemporary concepts. For an overview of your options as a quiltmaker, see these two magazines: Quilters Newsletter magazine, and Quilting Arts magazine.
For mixed media art that includes fabric--a fine way to mix your other favorite techniques and materials with quilting & fabric--see Cloth, Paper, Scissors magazine, from the publishers of Quilting Arts.
I started with traditional quilts in the mid-1970s. At first, I hand-pieced baby quilts for my own infants and friends'. As I became more comfortable with quiltmaking, I made larger quilts with my sewing machine. Next, I learned "quilt in a day" techniques using strip piecing, and modified these designs to make quilts for shops and galleries. Finally, I started incorporating fine arts and crafts techniques and mixed media approaches to art quilts and wallhangings. That's what I'm working on again, now.
Cloth jewelry and accessories
Many people enjoy making fabric jewelry, such as cloth beads, bracelets and cuffs, and necklaces. These are a fine starting point for beginners. Also, you may enjoy making fabric art accessories for your wardrobe and as gifts for others. These can include belts and sashes, purses, hats, and more.
Lois Ericson is one of the most respected voices in fabric art accessories. Her books and patterns allow considerable flexibility for beginners as well as experienced fabric artists. Your public library probably has at least one of her books, or can order one on inter-library loan. Highly recommended!
Wearable art - clothing
Pieced and/or embellished garments are among the most fabulous and complex fabric art projects. Belle Armoire magazine is very popular among paper and mixed media artists making the transition to wearables. You can explore even more wearable art ideas in Fiberarts Magazines' annual Art-to-Wear issue, Surface Design Journal, and other sewing and beading magazines. Special issues of Threads, Ornament, and Quilters Newsletter magazines also feature wearable art and related topics.
Where to start...?
My best advice is to start with whichever area seems most exciting to you. There are simple and complex approaches to every kind of fabric art. Pick one and get started today. You'll soon find a niche whether you're a beginner or an experienced tailor/designer/artist. Delve in and have fun!