On this course, you will learn how to use a sewing machine for free motion embroidery. You will create your own stitched drawing traced from photographs and drawings.

You will learn how to transfer a design onto cloth, and how to use Bondaweb to attach fabric to a background.

We will begin the course by learning to set up the machine and experimenting with basic exercises to get you used to using the machine for this technique.

There will be demonstrations showing various tips and techniques that you can explore. You will develop a range of samples as we learn the different techniques.

You will learn how to trace from photographs and drawings using old dressmaking pattern catalogues from the 1950s and also from photographs in fashion magazines. This will give you the skills to work from your own photographs.

There will be lots of samples of the tutor’s work available for you to look at, demonstrating different techniques.

Day 1: How to set up machines Quick exercises: doodling, changing stitch length, drawing squares, how to create loose threads, drawing directly onto the cloth, how to follow a line How to use tracing paper, trace from a drawn illustration, how to use tissue in the hoop, how to remove the tissue paper How to use tissue paper to trace from photographic images from fashion magazines

Day 2: How to lay down exact pieces of coloured fabric using Bondaweb to fix to the background fabric, then stitching the drawing over the top How to create a completed stitched drawing, including coloured fabrics

Included

On this course the tutor will supply some of the materials, including tissue paper and Bondaweb. On this course the College will supply a sewing machine for each student to use during the course, along with irons/boards for studio use, a light box and some cotton/calico fabric.

What students need to bring

• Notebook, pens and pencils and any scraps of coloured material you might have at home.

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included)
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential

Daily timetable
Course teaching 9.15am - 5pm (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included for residential students)
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed

Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm (lunch included)
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am

Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required

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