Exploring machine embroidery techniques with Wendy Dolan

Art textiles Sewing, embroidery and accessories

Ref: SLW13335

Location: West Dean
£432
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About this course

Develop skills in freehand embroidery to create a variety of effects using whip and cable stitch. Fabric is layered, painted and worked into to develop textured samples to use as small pictures or cushion covers.

Course Description

This course will give you an opportunity to explore and develop freehand machine embroidery techniques. After gaining an understanding of how to set up your machine and ‘draw’ with your thread, you will be encouraged to adjust the tension settings on your machine to create a variety of effects, using whip stitch and cable stitch. Fabrics will be layered, and worked into, creating exciting textured samples which can be mounted up as small pictures, cushion cover panels, or greetings cards.

After demonstrations of the techniques you will develop your own skills, with guidance and encouragement from the tutor. Group reviews will be held during and at the end of the course so that ideas can be shared and discussed.

Timetable

Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above

Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.

6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).

8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.

Daily timetable

Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.

From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).

Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Last day

Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.

Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.

(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)

Course Materials

Included

  • Materials shared amongst the group – stitch ‘n tear, coloured dupion silk.

What students need to bring

  • Your sewing machine: with a darning foot if you have one and your extension table (if you wish to use a College sewing machine, please email us to reserve one – email: [email protected]).
  • Scissors – small embroidery and fabric
  • Pins
  • Spare machine needles (90 (14))
  • Fabrics: Lightweight coloured fabrics – e.g. Dupion silk, cotton, organza
  • Machine threads: These can be general sewing threads – Drima, Guterman etc. or machine embroidery threads.
  • Pencils and paper
  • Apron, overall for fabric painting.

Available to buy

  • Available from shop:
  • For any materials you need to purchase from the shop, we suggest you do so during the first morning of your course, after having discussed with your tutor.
  • Available from tutor:
  • Calico – pre-washed
  • Wooden Embroidery hoop – 7 – 8 inch
  • Coloured Dupion silk
  • Textured fabrics in cream and white (cotton, silk, linen, scrim – small pieces)
  • Organza
  • White cotton machine thread
  • Madeira 40 machine embroidery threads
  • Stitch ‘n Tear – stabiliser

Tutors

Wendy Dolan

Wendy Dolan is an experienced textile artist, tutor and lecturer, specialising in freehand machine embroidery. She is a Fellow of the Society of Designer Craftsmen and author of Layer, Paint and Stitch.

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

Courses of interest

Further study options

Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study. 

Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.