Textile Collage: Using Collage Techniques in Textile Art

by Mandy Pattullo

Textile artist and surface designer Mandy Pattullo marries fabric with collage techniques to produce beautiful pieces of art. In Textile Collage she shows a fresh way to use scraps and oddments of fabrics to create something unique and personal, while also being economical – perfect for those who have hoarded bits of fabric, trim and memory-filled domestic textiles over the years.

Chapter one covers 'Materials': collecting and sourcing fabric including unpicking and storing found fabric. In chapter two, 'Make', Mandy guides you through all the artistic and creative elements that you need to consider to create a beautiful collage. The following chapter 'Portray' looks at piecing together a collaged portrait – human or animal – showing the figurative approach in collage work that includes transfer images and using found photographs. In the chapter 'Worn', the collage technique is used to embellish skirts, jackets and accessories. The final chapter 'Book' looks at the fabric book as a receptacle for textile collage, with a range of approaches and forms explored.

This is a wonderful resource for all textilers looking to make the most of the found fabrics they love and fully explore the technique of collage with textiles.

Genres: Art, Crafts, Nonfiction, Quilting

128 pages, Hardcover

First published October 4, 2016

Reviews

[B. Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed feelings. I liked the beginning of the book, but as soon as we got to the animals it began to feel like a pinterest board. I originally got this after reading Slow Stitch because the cloth books were referenced in it, but the books don't show up till perhaps 80% through.

The other thing that bothered me was the use of the term "ethnic textiles." Whereas Slow Stitch was culturally sensitive and mentioned working with displaced women on one project, this book seemed willing to take without any reciprocation. The use of the term "ethnic" in general is weird, as both Asian & African cultures were referred to. That's a HUGE mass of cultures and in this case "ethnic" can only mean "not-white."

The author said she treats old materials with reverence, but again I didn't get that feeling. It felt more like an opportunity - the thrill of a find. I wince to think of all the quilts taken apart as it feels like the creators of such quilts and the memories and generations that used that quilt are scattered now. I appreciated that the author said she only used crumbling quilts or ones that were discarded, but I feel uneasy.

So while those issues keep me from rating the book higher, there was quite a lot of good information presented. (Just not necessarily in the way, or style I like!)

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I have no experience with sewing or stitching and this book provided me with a basic understanding of stitching. The pictures will inspire you to run out and start collecting fabrics so that you can create your own textile collage. This book includes instructions for making your own projects and photos of items created by other artists. It provides ideas for how to repurpose textiles that you might have around the house. Great book for anyone who might have a newly acquired interest in textiles and crafting.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pattullo provides a comprehensive overview of collage techniques for use in textile collages. She discusses collecting materials, composition, colour, and mark making. She presents some of the forms textile collages can take such as wall hangings, clothes, and books. She clearly has a personal preference for abstract collage, but spends some time describing figurative collages as well, such as collages of wildlife and portraits of people.

There was a lot of information and I found much if it useful.

[Nicky Triggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book by one of my favourite textile artists. The cover feels lovely and hints at what treats might be inside.
Mandy shares her approach to collage in an inspiring way. There is sufficient information to get you started on your own journey, but leaves space for experimentation and creativity. Her references to other artists is both interesting and helpful too.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book, clear instruction and good ideas. The photos are gorgeous..

[patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting art pieces. I’m not a huge fan of torn and tattered, but the latter half of the book has some pieces that will surely inspire.

[Deb Holden · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit heavy on the written word. Not a lot of information about good composition and
Textile collage as an art form. I was expecting something much different.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gorgeous book from Batsford. Beautiful textile work. UK textile artists are able to source such fabulous and interesting vintage pieces and this artist uses them in such artful ways, making new artwork from old. Inspiring.

[Kristin Shields · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful book. I especially love the chapter on the animals and the one on fabric books. There's so much here to inspire including abstract design and wearable art. It's a wonderful addition to my collection.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely book featuring some amazing textile artists as well as lots of ideas for textile reuse. It would be interesting seeing some of these ideas used in library programming, perhaps as part of a slow living approach.