Course
Scandinavian Tufted Wool Techniques
Course Overview
Learn the magic of creating traditional Scandinavian-style pom-poms, edge fringe, and other wool tufting techniques commonly found on traditional costumes and historic garments in Sweden and Norway. We will focus on four different techniques and their applications on knitted and woven materials, such as the cuffs of mittens and sweaters or on the ends of woven bands. These include a traditional sewn method of creating dense and firm pom-poms, a fluffy, thick band called “kavelfrans” or “gaffelfrans” in Swedish, and two methods of creating looped or cut fringe with a small rigid heddle loom and a finger-looping method. Finishing techniques using steam will be taught to form and shape our decorative designs. There will be much inspiration to be had with examples through images of historic objects on a slideshow and discussion of variation throughout Sweden and Norway. Different regions will be explored through their use of color and pattern, as well as the appropriate times of year and occasions for which the decorative garments and accessories would have been worn. Students will leave with a completed pom-pom and samples of the other techniques, as well as a thorough understanding of how to use the methods in their own knitting, weaving, or sewing projects! They will also receive a printed copy of the slideshow presentation for their records. Students ages 12+ may register for this class. Youth ages 10+ may attend if accompanied by an adult. Adult/child pairs will complete two projects and pay two materials fees. A 25% tuition discount applies to the youth registrant when registering with a full paying adult; call to register.
Required Tools
- All materials and tools will be provided