The Cumulative Cloth, Wet Techniques

A comprehensive how-to reference that teaches wet textile surface design techniques for making custom cloth.



Learn surface design for textiles, to create rich and personally expressive fabric surfaces. Projects by expert Susan Brandeis (author of the bestselling The Intentional Thread) help a range of levels--beginners to relatively experienced studio practitioners--experiment with each method.



• Covers wet techniques in detail: application and layering of textile dyes, pigments, and chemicals to add color, pattern, and images



• Dry techniques are covered in a separate companion book--that is, how to combine these handmade fabrics using cutting, piecing, layering, building, and embellishing



• What's the "Cumulative Cloth"? A single cloth that readers add to with each chapter's techniques, eventually creating a piece of art.



• Serves as a go-to reference to check technical procedures and safety guidelines (many methods and ingredients require caution)



“Distilling knowledge accrued over decades of teaching and her studio practice, Brandeis presents each process in systematic detail but also invites open-ended experimentation. Seductive closeups of fabric treatments as well as the author’s encouraging voice excite creative thinking all throughout this generous book.” --Patricia Malarcher, former editor, Surface Design Journal



“An exquisite and deeply instructional book about surface design. Full of inspiring and beautiful work along with step-by-step guidance . . .  this is sure to become a definitive guide for artists, designers, and crafters of all levels.” --Chrissie Van Hoever, designer; founder, Nuthatch Studio



“Exceptional artist and expert teacher Susan Brandeis guides novice and advanced alike through each step of key surface-design techniques. Her thorough, thoughtful, personal instructions, illustrated by plentiful examples, make this book a must-have resource to consult for years to come.” --Dr. Cheryl Christian, artist; editor emerita, Needle Arts



“We are so fortunate that Brandeis has written this deeply informative book. Even as an experienced textile artist, I’m ready to explore her screen printing information, much of which I’ve not seen published in one place before. Studio setup, finishing techniques, personal posture tips, plus her ‘Try This’ section in each chapter make this a powerful resource for everyone from beginners to seasoned professionals, something we'll never find by just scrolling the internet. As she says, ‘Try this!’” --Astrid Hilger Bennett, fiber artist; president & co-chair, Surface Design Association



“Detailed instructions for beginners, with many tips, projects, and examples to inspire even if you know the techniques. A great reference book when looking for a new directions to explore.” --Joy Stocksdale, author, Polychromatic Screen Printing



“This is the book I have been waiting for! An excellent companion to studio or classroom surface design investigation, filled with a wealth of information on techniques, tips, safety, and ideas for consideration . . . A valuable and exceptional resource generously sharing decades of research, exploration, and professional expertise. This book covers the equivalent of several college level surface design courses in a conveniently organized and beautifully presented manner.” --Patricia Mink, textile artist; professor emerita, Studio Art / Fibers, East Tennessee State University