We interviewed our collaborating artist Cleo Liaki a.k.a. "Hishuk" and we asked her to introduce us to her technique.
The Primary Structure of Fabrics describes it as, “vertical and lateral interlooping [...] a double interlooped structure (made with a hooked implement).” Clothing and accessories have been constructed by looping fibers together for thousands of years. Crochet is done by hand; there are no fabrication machines.
What is tapestry crochet?
As described in Wikipedia, tapestry crochet is sometimes called jacquard crochet, intarsia, mosaic, fair isle, and colorwork, but today these terms usually describe different techniques. Since the yarns are switched back and forth to create motifs, tapestry crochet fabric looks more like it was woven on a loom than crocheted with a hook.
Tapestry crochet is done by switching two or more colors back and forth as needed to create images and patterns. Yarns not being crocheted are either carried inside the stitches, dropped and picked up when needed, or run along the back; the more yarns carried, the thicker the finished material.
Tapestry crochet opens up a lot of opportunities for new ideas and creativity with endless product possibilities. It allows you to self-express, weave your own story, to be unique and yet continue the traditional line of this craft.
The more complex the design, the longer it takes to complete. The process for a crochet tapestry bag takes approximately 15 or more days to complete using this technique but can take much longer, depending on other factors:
a difficult and slow process for the handle strap (ex. loom weaving), an inside hand sewing lining, the size of the yarn, how many yarns are used etc… considering that every step of the product is totally handmade.
Only one crochet tapestry round with a complex design can take from 45 to 60 minutes!
Discover more of Hishuk's works here.