School of Design / Textile Design / Louise Finlayson

Louise Finlayson

(she/her)

I’m a woven textile designer whose practice is rooted in an exploration of subtle detail, materiality and craftsmanship. my work aims to balance timeless design with a contemporary and distinctive aesthetic, creating textiles that feel both classic and unique. through the incorporation of defined details, including shiny and metallic yarns, I add depth and texture enhancing the tactile and visual experience of each piece.

Loom of Wings

This project combines my fascination with observing flowers and insects in everyday life with my passion for textile design. Drawing inspiration from the natural world allows me to fully engage with the creative process and develop my ideas to a high standard while creating a cohesive woven collection.

I have been particularly drawn to the reflective and textured qualities of shiny and metallic yarns, as they closely resemble the iridescent surfaces and intricate details often found in insects and plant life. Incorporating these materials into my woven collection has enabled me to enhance texture, depth, and the interaction of light within the fabrics, strengthening the connection between my textile outcomes and the natural forms that inspire them.

A key aspect of this project is thorough planning, technical preparation, and the careful development of colour palettes. I use Adobe Photoshop to digitally draft my artwork, allowing me to experiment with and refine colour relationships, tonal balance, and composition prior to production. In addition, I use Pointcarre to assign weave structures ranging from weft-faced to warp-faced constructions, enabling precise control over colour placement and surface design within the woven samples.

Primary Image
Primary Image
Colour Palette
Drawing
Drawing
Sampling Planning
Final Samples
Final Sample
Final Sample
Visualisation
Final Visualisations
Extending Design Project
Final Sample
Final Sample
Final Sample
Final Visualisations