• Absolute Beginners
  • Fibre Arts

This 4 week ONLINE introductory course, covers a variety of textile based applications. There are 2 Parts to this course, each 4 weeks long.  These courses can be stand alone courses or taken consecutively.  Both parts cover a variety of textile based applications, crossing borders between art, craft and design.  In Part 1, students will engage in concept and design development of a functional object - lined tote bag, basic hand stitching, appliqué and embroidery techniques.  Students will be introduced to concepts of object making, sustainability, and current trends in the textile field. 

ONLINE Introduction to Textiles, Part 1: Students will engage in concept and design development of a functional object - lined tote bag, basic hand stitching, appliqué and embroidery techniques. More techniques will be explored in Introduction to Textiles, Part 2.


 4 weeks:  Tuition:  $185

TSA will deliver this course using ZOOM. Prior to the course session, you will receive an invitation for the session(s) via email. You'll need a laptop, desktop or tablet, internet connection with good bandwidth and headset (either wired or wireless). We recommend that you set up a free ZOOM account and be familiar with ZOOM prior to the class beginning.  Here is a link to help you get started: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/categories/200101697

Notes: Toronto based artist Stephanie Fortin uses textile techniques of natural dyeing, weaving, piecing, clamping, wrapping and stitching to explore various ideas around process and colour. Creating both functional and non functional work in art, craft and design. Stephanie trained in interpretive illustration at Sheridan College and completed an interdisciplinary BFA with a focus in textiles and art history at NSCAD University. Fortin held a full time artist-in-residence position at Harbourfront Centre (Toronto, ON) and Akin + Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto (MOCA), was a member of The Contemporary Textile Studio Coop (Toronto, ON). Fortin has exhibited work in Canada, The United States and China, she currently lives and works in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
* This course is not currently open for registration

What you will learn

  • Develop an understanding of hand sewing techniques used in construction of textile objects and surface design. 
  • Engage in design development towards the creation of a functional object.

Materials to Bring

Materials Introduction to Textiles- Part 1-  Stephanie Fortin 

(Materials can be purchased at most arts and craft supply stores) 

 Ruler - 3” x 18" clear Fiskers type acrylic ruler is best for sewing, however you can use any ruler that you have.   

-  Needles - Embroidery needles / crewel needles / sashiko needles/ milliners needles - You may choose one or try different needles to see which you prefer. 

-  General hand sewing needles - sharps - one package 

- Scissors - Should be sharp enough for cutting fabric 

-  Embroidery Floss - Can be all the same or variety of colours - 5 

-  Fabric for base of tote and samplers - Choose 1 yard 54" wide (or around) base cloth -  muslin, plain coloured or white light weight cotton woven fabric such as twill or broadcloth, washed. Do not choose too thick of a fabric as we will be hand sewing through multiple layers. 

-  All purpose sewing thread - Variety of colours including one to match 2 m of fabric - 3 spools 

-  Woven cloth - 2-4 various used woven garments TO CUT UP, or selection of woven fabric pieces and scraps, all washed 

-  Sewing Pins - Any pins may be used, safety pins, straight etc. 

-  Iron and Ironing table or surface 

- Thimble - suggested brand Clover protect and grip thimble (Thimbles can be optional however they are strongly suggested. You may also want two rubber thimbles snd grippers for your index finger and thumb) 

- OPTIONAL MATERIALS FOR INTRO TO TEXTILES 

- Flexible Measuring Tape (for sewing) 60" long  (part 1)

- Embroidery Hoop, 8" - 9”  (part 1)

- Rubber grippers  (part 1) 

- Small thread snips/embroidery scissors  (part 1)

- Pincushion, if you have one (part 1)

- Wood glue - to glue your frame pieces together, so they are strong and wont come apart during weaving  (part 2)

- Bag for storing projects in  (part 1 and 2)

- Spray bottle filled with water for ironing and steaming cloth 

(part 1 and 2)

Set Square and T Square (part 1 and 2)

Your art supplies! Pencils, Pens, Coloured pencils, markers, paints and brushes etc as you have on hand 

You will need a large clear table surface to work on for some of the projects, such as a kitchen or dining room table.