Programs in fiber, textile, and the weaving arts teach people how to create works of art from fabrics and fibers. Students learn how to operate looms and weave fibers into fabrics. They study ways to dye, knit, and quilt fabrics.
When you study fiber, textile, and weaving, you travel to a time before machines made weaving and knitting faster and easier. Even though mass production is faster, people appreciate work that is unique and shows the artist's personal touch. For that reason, handmade art using fibers and fabrics holds a respected place with artists and their customers.
Although you don't always need formal training to create works of art, going to art school can help you refine your skills and learn how to use them to earn a living. Formal training also allows you to share inspiration with other students who have similar interests and talents.
In fiber, textile, and weaving programs, your course work teaches you basic art principles such as art history, drawing, and design. You then concentrate on your specific area of fiber art. This can mean constructing new fibers or coming up with original fabric designs. You can study different techniques for weaving rugs and blankets on a loom. Through your studies, you can even create new paper or wallpaper styles! You also learn basic skills such as how to use a loom, dye different fabrics and textiles, and work with different types of wool and cloth. Many courses are designed to give you ample time in a studio where you create your own style and focus on a particular method of creating your pieces. In addition, several programs offer courses in using computer graphics software as a design tool.
About 40 colleges and universities offer fiber, textile, and weaving programs that lead to the bachelor of fine arts (BFA) degree and the master of fine arts (MFA) degree. Community colleges and independent schools of art and design also offer studio training and programs in fiber arts. They may lead to associate of art (AA) degrees. In some cases, schools offer certificate programs. These are usually more technically focused and allow you to gain or update your skills in an area of fiber arts for personal enjoyment.
It takes four to five years after high school to earn a BFA degree and six to seven years to earn an MFA degree. The MFA is considered a "terminal" degree, meaning that you do not need a doctorate if you desire to teach at the college level. However, a few schools do offer doctorate degrees in fiber arts. Keep in mind that graduate study is almost always offered through a larger art and fine arts program, so be sure to read this program of study as well.