LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL: FLORENCE SPURLING

Image: Tubular bead crochet outcomes, Florence Spurling. Image courtesy of London Design Festival.

Tubular Bead Crochet with Florence Spurling

Written by Ruby Wilson

Florence Spurling is a textile designer who specialises in hand-crafted pieces.  She completed an MA in textile design at the Royal College of Art in 2013 and continued her exploration of design when she subsequently moved to the USA. Her work was initially rooted in knitted textiles, embroidery, and embellishment. Now, she maintains a focus on handwork, elevating craft techniques by experimenting with design and colour. Modernising traditional processes such as knit, crochet, beading and embroidery culminates in decorative, tactile and innovative collections.


Image: Strong thread and a crochet hook are used within this constructed textile method, Florence Spurling. Image courtesy of London Design Festival.

Notably, her work includes a collection of sweaters for the well-known high street brand 'Anthropologie'. The knitwear is adorned with colourful flower designs, with textural interest created through the crocheting of thick yarns. A particular favourite is a multi-coloured sweater from which trailing flowers are seamlessly incorporated into the edge of the piece, cascading down the garment as if they have grown from it.

Spurling’s craft also sees crochet utilised beyond the conventional garment. She has produced a collection of jewellery using the technique, in which beads and crochet come together to mimic the traditional daisy chain. The collection also includes ‘polka dot rope’ necklaces, which see small beads adorn the edge of tubular crochet designs. Here, the nature of crochet lends itself well to the creation of designs that celebrate the versatility of the craft.


Image: Beaded crochet tubes in a polka dot pattern, Florence Spurling, Image courtesy of London Design Festival.

For this year’s London Design Festival, Spurling will share her method of creating these tubular structures using a crochet hook and yarn, alongside beads. Attendees will learn to master a simple crochet stitch and then be given the opportunity to create their own four-colour beaded design. Embracing the meditative process of crocheting is encouraged, and with no former experience necessary this unique opportunity to learn a new skill from Spurling herself, as well as practice mindful crafting, is not one to miss.

This workshop will take place on the 23 September at 13:00 BST. Get your ticket here.