Join this four-week appliqué and hand embroidery course and discover the joy of turning words that matter to you into a stitched, one-of-a-kind piece of textile art. Over four relaxed weekly sessions, you'll learn traditional hand sewing techniques while designing a fabric collage inspired by a favourite line of poetry, a lyric, a family saying, or any phrase you've held onto over the years.
This course is about slowing down and trusting your own creativity to make something deeply personal. Alongside learning appliqué and embroidery stitches, you'll discover how imagery, fabric and stitch come together to tell a story – think of it as your own modern sampler, a piece to treasure long after the final stitch. No previous sewing experience is needed; you'll be guided through every stage at your own pace, from your very first stitches to the finishing touches.
Week One: Learning the language of stitch
Get to know the materials and techniques you'll use throughout the course, learning a handful of simple but beautiful appliqué and embroidery stitches and experimenting with fabrics and textures to build your confidence.
Week Two: Finding your words
Through gentle creative prompts, you'll reflect on the words you'd like your piece to carry - from poetry and music to family sayings or your own philosophy. Once you've settled on a phrase, you'll explore the imagery it evokes, sketch your composition and start building your appliqué design in fabric.
Week Three: Bringing your artwork to life
With your composition assembled, you'll start stitching your design and adding embroidered detail and texture, working at your own pace with plenty of one-to-one guidance. You're welcome to take your piece home to keep stitching between sessions.
Week Four: Finishing your piece
Bring your artwork back to the studio for a final session of stitching and finishing, where you'll explore ways to complete and present it – whether that's framing, turning it into a wall hanging, stretching it, or continuing to add to it afterwards.
Please note: optional additional studio sessions are available if you'd like more time and support to keep stitching your project.
What you'll get
Tuition in appliqué and hand embroidery techniques.
An A2 linen panel to use as the foundation for your artwork (you're also welcome to bring your own fabric if you'd like to work on a larger scale or use a coloured background).
A beautiful selection of coloured, patterned, and textured fabrics to cut, layer, and collage into your design.
Use of threads, needles, embroidery hoops, fabric adhesives, and all the tools you'll need throughout the course.
By the end of the course, you'll leave with a finished piece of textile art, a collection of new hand stitching skills, and hopefully a renewed appreciation for the joy of making things slowly.
Knowledge required
This course is designed to be suitable for all skill levels. For beginners, you'll be able to learn the basics from the start. For those more experienced stitchers, you'll be able to put your skills to good use and hopefully further develop your techniques.
