Fabric Dyeing and Surface Design

Ages: 18+
Term: Autumn
Length: 10 weeks

Overview

This immersive and creative course has been developed for adults who want to explore the rich possibilities of natural dyeing within fashion and textiles. Ideal for beginners, this course offers a hands-on introduction to working with plant-based, mineral and other sustainable dye sources, combining traditional knowledge with contemporary textile practice.

To book your place today, simply click Book Now to be taken to AUB's secure online store, where you can complete your booking. You can also sign up to our newsletter for short course updates.

Course information

Delivered in Arts University Bournemouth’s specialist Dye Studio and textile labs, the course is taught by senior technician and natural dye specialist Sarah Thorne. You'll be guided step-by-step through the full natural dyeing process, from sourcing and extracting colour to applying dyes to a range of fabrics and fibres. Through experimentation and guided making, you’ll discover how natural materials can produce beautifully varied, unpredictable and vibrant results.

Throughout the course, you’ll explore creative approaches to surface design and pattern, learning techniques that allow you to work intuitively with colour and material. You’ll gain an understanding of how sustainability, process and material choice intersect, and how natural dyeing can inform a more conscious and thoughtful design practice.

This course is perfect for anyone interested in sustainable fashion, textile design, craft or eco-conscious making. Whether you’re exploring a new creative direction or developing skills to support further study or practice, this course offers a rewarding opportunity to reconnect with nature, experiment freely and build confidence through colour.

A comprehensive introduction to natural dyeing using plant-based and mineral sources
Exploration of fibres suitable for natural dyeing, including cotton, silk, wool and linen
Hands-on dye extraction and preparation, including mordanting and fabric preparation
Techniques such as bundle dyeing, shibori, resist dyeing and dip dyeing
Insight into foraging, sourcing and sustainability within natural dye practices
Introduction to colour theory and its application to natural pigments
Experimental sessions exploring layering, over-dyeing and botanical printing
Development of a final project combining multiple techniques
Ongoing guidance and mentorship from an experienced practising designer and tutor

At the end of the course you'll:

Understand and apply core natural dyeing techniques to a range of fabrics
Identify suitable fibres, mordants and dye materials to achieve different effects
Produce a series of experimental samples demonstrating a variety of dye methods
Develop and complete a final natural dye project, such as a scarf, textile panel or garment sample
Document your processes to support reproducibility and creative development
Apply a more sustainable and conscious approach to textile and fashion design
Be confident in working with natural materials and colour
Possess improved artistic skills
Have increased confidence in your own skills and feel inspired
Have boosted creativity and imagination
Possess the foundations to continue creating beyond this course

You can request a certificate to confirm your achievements, providing you've a 100% attendance record. To request a certificate please get in touch with us at academy@aub.ac.uk and confirm your name and the title of course you've completed

Will I be assessed?

No, there is no formal assessment. Assessment is continuous throughout the course, with feedback provided during studio sessions. Each session will conclude with a group share and discussion, offering opportunities to reflect on your work, learn from peers and gain inspiration.

What you need to know

Autumn term 2026

Monday 5 October – 7 December 2026 (10 Monday evenings, 18.00–21.00)

Age

Suitable for adults aged 18+.

Level

This is an introductory course and no prior experience is required. All you need is a willingness to learn, explore and develop your skills in a supportive environment.

Experience or qualifications required

None – this is an introductory course. We have no formal academic entry requirements for our short courses.

If you'd like to discuss if this course is suitable for you, get in touch with us: academy@aub.ac.uk or 01202 363222.

£375

Any additional costs 

You may be asked to bring your own fabric or garments to dye; this will be discussed during the first session. All additional course materials are included in the course fee.

Sketchbook/notebook
Pencil
Closed-toe footwear

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Suggested Suppliers

Information about resourcing specialist materials/consumables that you may need to bring these with you

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Meet your tutor

The symbol of a smiley face on a plain yellow background

Sarah Thorne

Technician Demonstrator – School of Design and Architecture...

Book your place today

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Course gallery

Various leaves and plant specimens in green, pink, purple, and orange colours scattered on white surface with small container of yellow liquid.

Pressed leaves arranged on white fabric - deep burgundy and bright green leaves with visible veining and serrated edges.

Colourful flowers including pink peonies, purple and yellow pansies with green leaves arranged on white surface beside bamboo canes.

Bowl containing wet autumn flowers and leaves in brown, orange, pink and yellow tones, with water creating reflective surface.

Teal velvet cushion with central cream panel featuring gold embroidered dandelion seed heads and scattered sequins or beads.

Close-up of a pleat of fabric with brown, white, pink and purple spotted pattern.

Woman wearing sleeveless tie-dye top in pink, orange and yellow tones with high neckline, paired with mustard yellow trousers.

Wooden sticks wrapped with purple fabric strips and loose purple textile pieces arranged vertically on white background.

Embroidered purple fabric with white shell-shaped appliqués outlined in gold thread and decorative beading.

Beyond the course

This could just be the start of your creative journey. After this course, you could further your textile and print skills with another short course or look to the future and explore our creative qualifications that can prepare you to further your current career, enable you to retrain to an alternative career path or prepare you for future creative arts studies.