Contemporary Embroidery & Stitch Art (TE109 Autumn)

This course will introduce students to the art of contemporary embroidery and stitch art. Join us on this 12-week course to gain skills through embroidery techniques, textile materials and a variety of subject matter.

What will you learn on this course?

Throughout this course, you will learn to draw with a sewing needle, play with fabrics, be creative with colour, and experiment with threads and trimmings. This course will encourage you to explore creativity through embroidery and mixed media and discover your own style with confidence.

This is a structured course in contemporary embroidery and stitch art that will guide you step by step in using a range of embroidery and textile materials such as threads, yarns, sewing needles, fabrics, felt, fusible web, interfacing, embroidery hoops, trimming, embellishments, and papers. You will gain skills in hand embroidery, embroidery stitches, applique, reverse applique, transfer methods, collage, stencils, and screen printing, as well as many other skills.

Each week the tutor will set a specific project and will demonstrate techniques which will be supported with examples to give you ideas and inspiration. Students will undertake practical exercises to learn and apply the technique themselves with individual guidance and support from the tutor.

Each lesson is a continuation from the previous one. Step by step, you will build skills and techniques which can be used to create contemporary pieces of embroidered stitch art. You will be able to bring your ideas to life, and work with a variety of intriguing subject matter, such as nature, compositional scenes, portraiture, or abstract images.

On completing this course, you can expect to have a range of samples which will be organised into a handmade sample book in addition to finished art pieces which demonstrate your understanding of embroidery, textile materials, and technical skills.

Who is this course for?

This course is suitable for adults aged 18+ years. It is open to both beginners who have no sewing experience, and to improvers who are looking to develop their technical skills and inspire their creativity.

At the heart of MAC is a focus on accessibility and inclusion. Please contact us to discuss your specific access needs. The room is wheelchair accessible. A support worker or carer may assist; carers must book a complimentary ticket if attending to provide support.

Do you need to bring anything?

A selection of essential sewing equipment will be provided. We encourage you to bring your own sewing kit consisting of hand sewing needles, embroidery threads and fabrics.

If you own a sewing machine and prefer to use it, you can have it PAT tested for a cost of £5 and bring it in to use during class. Please contact us prior to the course starting so this can be organised.

Are there any additional costs?

There are no additional costs.

Who teaches this course?

Lisa Broughton

During the Summer Term, April 2025, this course may be affected by building work taking place at MAC. Participants will be notified in advance of any updates.