Textile artist Kumi Middleton brings a joyful spirit to her intricate appliqué designs, blending colour, storytelling and craftsmanship. From charming animals to imaginative landscapes, each piece feels like a miniature world full of character. As part of our Design Team, she has created distinctive works that add warmth and charm to interiors. We caught up with Kumi to talk about her creative journey and the inspirations behind her designs.
Can you tell us about your journey into the art and textile world? Was there a particular moment when you realised this was the path you wanted to follow?
As a student, I initially imagined pursuing graphic art. It was my A-level teacher who recognised my instinct for textiles and encouraged me to explore it further. At the time, I was not fully aware of this strength, but in hindsight, that moment of guidance was pivotal. It set me on a path that has continued to evolve ever since.
Your appliqué work has such a distinctive style today. How do cultural or personal narratives play a role in your artwork?
Although I do not consciously aim for it, there is a natural sense of precision and order in my work. I believe this is rooted in my Japanese upbringing, where attention to detail and neatness are instilled from an early age. Interestingly, one of my A-level art teachers encouraged me to move away from this tendency, and for a time I did. However, over the years, it has quietly re-emerged and become an integral part of my visual language.
Many of your pieces feel as though they tell a story. What sparks your imagination when designing a new piece or collection? Do you begin with a narrative, an image, or the materials themselves?
My starting point is almost always colour, particularly the relationships and tensions between different hues. From there, I draw on a wide range of influences beyond textiles, including science, history and music. These references do not always translate directly into a narrative, but they create a rich internal landscape that informs the mood and direction of each piece.
Your work is incredibly detailed and layered. Could you walk us through how a typical piece develops from the first idea to the finished appliqué?
I am interested in capturing the spontaneity of brushstrokes or pencil marks, but translating that into textile form using dense materials such as boiled wool. This often involves meticulous layering and cutting, refining shapes repeatedly until they feel right. It can be a slow and demanding process, requiring patience and a willingness to experiment with colour, scale and composition. This process is essential, allowing me to achieve a sense of movement and expression within a very controlled medium.
Is there a piece you have created that feels especially meaningful to you? What is the story behind it?
One piece that stands out is a headboard titled Tree of Life, featuring a fruit tree and two cats. It was my first piece for Kit, and at the time it felt almost unreal, an opportunity I had not expected. What made it particularly meaningful was not only the creative challenge, but also the experience of being treated with genuine respect as a craftsperson, which had not always been the case. Whenever I look back at that work, I am reminded of how significant that moment was in my journey.
Looking ahead, is there a project, idea, or creative direction you would love to explore?
Rather than having a fixed direction, I remain open to whatever challenges come my way. I often feel a sense of uncertainty at the beginning of a new project, but I have come to trust that process. Each piece teaches me something new, and there is a real sense of fulfilment in working through that initial doubt to reach a resolved outcome.
Finally, do you have any advice for aspiring creators or makers beginning their own creative journeys?
My journey has been long and, at times, difficult, particularly in terms of making a sustainable living from textiles. It has taken nearly 30 years to reach this point. However, throughout that time, I never stopped creating. Making has always been an essential part of who I am. My advice would be to hold onto that instinct, regardless of external validation or outcome. Creativity has its own intrinsic value, and continuing to make, in any capacity, is deeply rewarding.
Kumi’s work captures the quiet magic of handcraft, where skill, imagination and material come together to tell a story. Her textiles celebrate detail and the joy of making by hand.