Textile Summer School 2027
Three weeks of textile workshops in Arraiolos, the town of the hand-embroidered wool rugs. Each week is dedicated to one technique: natural dyeing, weaving and tapestry, and embroidery. Participants live and work in the Córtex Frontal house, and the school ends with an open studio.
Arrival and departure days included
Week 2, weaving and tapestry
Week 3, embroidery
The programme
Workshops run in the morning and afternoon, with a lunch break. Each week combines technique, individual projects and a field trip, and ends with a free day.
More information coming soon.
Week 1, natural dyeing
Direct dyeing, mordant dyeing and vat dyeing. Key dye plants such as woad, reseda and madder, an indigo vat, the difference between plant and animal fibres, and colour modifiers. A walk to the lake in search of local dye plants, with the principles of sustainable harvesting, and free experimentation with cross-dyeing.
Week 2, weaving and tapestry
Materials, tools and the fundamental techniques of weaving and tapestry. Weaving structures, textures and fibres, with exercises adapted to each participant's level, and work on an individual project. A visit to a wool producer, and an informal presentation of the work at the end of the week.
Week 3, embroidery
The history of embroidery and Portuguese embroidery styles. Stitches to draw, to paint and to create volume, and embroidery on other materials. An introduction to Arraiolos stitch, with a visit to CITA, the Arraiolos Rug Interpretation Centre, and a session with the Arraiolos embroiderers. Guided individual projects.
Open studio
The school ends with a professional photo session and an open studio.
What is included
Field trips
Photo session and open studio
Application
Apply with the residency application form and choose the period 13 July – 2 August, Textile Summer School. We reply within two weeks.