Stitching together: participatory textile making as an emerging methodological approach to research

Tools

Shercliff, E. and Twigger Holroyd, A. ORCID: 0000-0003-3403-3516, 2020. Stitching together: participatory textile making as an emerging methodological approach to research. Journal of Arts and Communities, 10 (1-2), pp. 5-18. ISSN 1757-1936

Preview

Text
1324672_Twigger Holroyd.pdf - Post-print
Download (304kB) | Preview

Abstract

Arising from a recently formed research network, Stitching Together, this article introduces a collection of case studies that critically examine participatory textile making as an emerging methodological approach to research. The twenty-first century resurgence of interest in textile processes such as knitting, sewing and weaving, whether as individual practice or community-based initiative, builds on a long and culturally diverse history of collaborative textile-making activity. This resurgence, combined with the familiarity, accessibility and flexibility of textile practices, has influenced a recent growth in the use of such activities as a means of inquiry within diverse research contexts.

The article considers the ways in which collective textile making projects privilege social encounter as a format for learning skills, creating friendships and consolidating shared interests. It goes on to discuss how researchers are drawing on these characteristics when devising new projects, highlighting the quality of experience afforded by textile making, the diverse forms of data generated and the variety of ways in which these participatory activities can be set up. Recognising that this research approach is far from straightforward, three key methodological themes are then considered: the multifaceted nature of the researcher’s role and the complexities of relationships with participants and other stakeholders; the difficulties that can arise when using such familiar textile processes; and the opportunities, and complexities, of co-producing knowledge with participants through collaborative textile activity.

Item Type:

Journal article

Publication Title:

Journal of Arts and Communities

Creators:

Shercliff, E. and Twigger Holroyd, A.

Publisher:

Intellect

Date:

1 June 2020

Volume:

Number: