Unfolding Cloth: Inspiration from Historical Textiles, Hannah Lamb

Unfolding Cloth is a beautifully crafted exploration of how historical textiles can enrich contemporary stitched work, infusing creations with layers of emotional and cultural resonance. Textile artist and tutor Hannah Lamb—working with age-worn linens, delicate lace collars, vintage patchwork, and printed silks—guides readers through creatively integrating such treasures into their own textile art practice

The text is structured as both a practical guide and poetic journey, with themed chapters that unfold key stages of the creative process:

• Unfolding: Strategies for discovering historical textiles, from family heirlooms to museum archives and market finds.
• Connecting: Conceptual development via mood boards, sketchbooks, and experimental techniques—such as the Tudor-era “prick and pounce” pattern transfer.
• Making: Sensitive handling of fragile materials, and inventive methods to blend old and new—with approaches like digital printing to preserve the original while carrying its essence forward.
• Gathering: Reflections on how contemporary artists respond to textile heritage and place, prompting questions of narrative and ownership.

Lamb's approach celebrates texture, memory, and storytelling. The book is richly illustrated with her own works and those of other global textile artists, offering readers visual inspiration and tangible guidance to create pieces that feel deeply connected to history.

About the Author
Hannah Lamb is a distinguished textile artist, educator, and author based in West Yorkshire. She combines surface techniques, stitch, print, and fabric manipulation into works ranging from intimate pieces to large installations. Since 2004, she has lectured at Bradford School of Art and currently heads its Textiles programme; she is also a longstanding member of the celebrated 62 Group of Textile Artists. Her debut book, Poetic Cloth: Creating Meaning in Textile Art, was published by Batsford in 2019.

Publication date: 2025
Publisher: Batsford
Pages: 128
ISBN: 9781849949439