Textiles: illustrative embroidery

About this course

Participants develop embroidery designs through drawing, composition and experimentation with different stitches, threads and surfaces. The course covers hand embroidery, including filling, couching and outline stitches, alongside free machine embroidery using a sewing machine as a drawing tool. Designs are transferred onto cloth, with bondaweb appliqué used to combine fabrics. Garment embellishment and textile design are considered through the creation of samples and an embellished garment or textile piece. Teaching combines practical demonstrations, individual support, group discussion and feedback.

What you'll learn

• Create an original design for embroidery
• Apply a range of hand embroidery stitches, including filling, couching and outline stitches
• Use a sewing machine for free machine embroidery
• Transfer designs onto cloth
• Attach fabric to a background using bondaweb
• Develop samples and an embellished garment or textile piece

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for beginners with little embroidery experience. The participation style includes demonstrations, individual support, group discussion and feedback. Learners should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, use basic measurements and calculations, and understand health and safety information.

• Little embroidery experience is stated as suitable
• Learners are invited to contribute to group discussions and feedback
• No work outside the class is required

Before you go

• Basic resources and materials are available as part of the course.
• A notebook or folder may be brought for storing handouts or samples.
• Participants may choose to practise techniques on their own sewing machine.