Fiber Art Classes
Classes in the fiber arts explore the elements of textiles as students learn the basics of color, composition, and the technical skills necessary to make hand-crafted art that communicates a meaning or emotion.
Learn more below about our Fiber and Textile Classes!
4 Week Classes
Tuition: $100.00 | Member Tuition: $90.00
8 Week Classes
Tuition: $192.00 | Member Tuition: $173.00
Class Resources
Spring 2026
Nature Felting with Wool (PDF)
Summer 2026
Fiber and Textiles
Fiber and textiles classes at the Firehouse Art Center explore the intersection of traditional craft and contemporary art, offering students a tactile, process-driven way to create with cloth, thread, and soft materials. Whether rooted in functional techniques or more sculptural, conceptual work, these classes emphasize both skill development and personal expression through hands-on making.
Class Format
Fiber and textiles courses are typically offered in four- or eight-week sessions, meeting weekly in a studio environment that supports both structured learning and independent exploration. Classes are paced to allow students to build foundational skills while completing a series of projects that grow in complexity over time.
Sessions begin with demonstrations of specific techniques, followed by guided practice and individual work. Beginners are introduced to essential methods and materials, while more experienced students are encouraged to develop their own projects, experiment with new approaches, and refine their technical control. The format allows for the repetition and variation that helps students build confidence in their process.
Instructors
Fiber and textile courses are led by artists and makers with experience in textile design, fiber arts, and related disciplines. Many instructors bring a background in both traditional techniques and contemporary applications, offering a well-rounded perspective on how fiber can function as both craft and fine art.
Instruction is supportive and adaptable, with instructors working closely with students to align technical learning with personal goals. Whether focusing on precision in technique or exploring more conceptual ideas, students receive individualized feedback that helps them grow their skills and nurture their own creativity.
Studio, Materials, and Equipment
Students work with a variety of materials depending on the course, including fabric, thread, wool, and other fiber-based elements. Classes introduce tools and processes suited to each technique, with guidance on material selection, preparation, and handling.
Some courses provide basic materials, while others may require a supply list. Instructors also cover best practices for working with fiber, including setup, maintenance of tools, and approaches to building durable or expressive finished pieces.
Outcomes
By the end of a fiber and textiles course, students will have completed a body of work reflective of their technical progress and personal exploration. They gain a stronger understanding of how to manipulate materials, construct forms, and bring ideas to life through fiber-based processes. In addition to developing patience, attention to detail, and a deeper appreciation for the versatility of textiles, students will also walk away with the confidence to continue exploring the medium in future classes or independent work.
Common Techniques and Areas of Focus in Fiber and Textiles
Embroidery and hand stitching techniques
Wool felting and fiber shaping
Sewing and textile construction
Surface design and pattern development
Fiber sculpture and dimensional work
Material exploration and mixed-fiber approaches
Fiber and Textiles Workshops
Fiber and textile workshops allow students the time and space to explore a specific technique or material in a shorter, more concentrated format. Workshops are typically centered around a single process or project and provide a more flexible opportunity to experiment with new materials, learn advanced techniques, or approach fiber work from a different creative perspective.