Repair & Embellish: Surface Design on Wool

This hands-on workshop led by textile artist, and recent PNCA MFA graduate, Ainsley Van Hook, teaches needle and wet felting techniques for repairing and decorating wool garments—whether woven or knit.

This workshop begins with demonstrations of needle felting techniques used to create surface designs. Students will practice these techniques on wool fabric swatches, building confidence with fiber placement and needle work. Next, Ainsley will demonstrate how wet felting can be used for bonding designs to existing fabric and setting fibers into a cohesive surface. Students will complete their practice swatches using both techniques before moving on to their own garments.

The second half of class will focus on individual garments: from embellished designs to technical issues such as working with dimensional forms, navigating rounded surfaces like shoulders, and avoiding felting garment layers together accidentally. Ainsley will reserve time to discuss individual project challenges and possibilities.

Students leave with completed practice swatches, newly repaired or embellished garments, and the skills to continue transforming worn wool into wearable art.

Bring a wool garment (woven or knit) to work on. Additional materials provided.