Fiber and Textile Arts: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries

Program Overview

Students in this program develop a comprehensive understanding of textile creation as a medium for artistic expression, blending technical mastery with creative vision. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on exploration of fiber-based materials to produce original works that convey emotional depth, conceptual ideas, and personal narratives through structured and experimental approaches.

• Weaving techniques and loom operation: Mastery of both traditional and contemporary methods for interlacing threads on hand and power looms to create structured textile surfaces.
• Non-woven textile methods: In-depth study of techniques including knitting, coiling, netting, and crocheting, focusing on form, texture, and material innovation.
• Quilting practices: Exploration of layered fabric construction, stitching precision, and design composition in both functional and sculptural quilt forms.
• Dyeing and pigmentation: Hands-on training in natural and synthetic dye processes, color theory, and surface transformation using various media and application methods.
• Textile printing and finishing: Development of skills in screen printing, resist dyeing, and surface embellishment to enhance visual impact and material complexity.
• Pattern design: Creation of repeat and free-form designs for textiles, integrating cultural motifs, abstraction, and conceptual themes into functional and artistic layouts.
• Tapestry art: Advanced instruction in pictorial weaving, narrative construction, and the use of color and texture to depict detailed imagery within a woven format.
• Personal style development: Guided exploration of individual artistic voice, conceptual framing, and the evolution of a cohesive creative identity within fiber and textile arts.