Textile Design

Rating:
Summary: Shows you how to create unique textile patterns
Review: This is a great book that shows you how to create unique textile patterns. It geared for those who have an interest in fabric design, and takes the process from original artwork creation through printing for mass production.

The book starts with a brief history and information on the business of textile design. Next it covers tools and supplies as well as where to find reference materials. Over twenty design styles are then explored including floral, patchwork, damask, conversational, chintz, landscape, geometric, ethnic and art deco to name a few.

Methods of design and layout follow. There are no projects, but rather step-by-step guidelines to creating any pattern, including types such as all-over, free-flowing, border, landscape and stripe. Working with color is also discussed. This includes using a color chart, mixing and matching colors, making colored grounds and painting a blotch. Then in preparation for printing you are shown how to put almost any type of design in repeat.

The basics of several design techniques are covered as well. Some include batik, bleaching, flower shading, spattering, India ink woodblock, and photocopy techniques.

The book wraps up with a discussion of the role of computers in textile design and an explanation of the printing process. This is a nice cross between an art book and a textbook with great color photo examples throughout and sound technical instruction.