This intimate workshop offers a deep dive into the world of traditional hand embroidery, designed to inspire both beginners and seasoned stitchers alike. Together, we will explore the rich history and contemporary relevance of hand embroidery techniques, focusing on how and why we use them. You will be guided through the meditative rhythms of hand stitching, discovering embroidery as a versatile tool for drawing, mark-making and self-expression. You will also experience the joy of creating in a calm, focused and mindful environment that encourages both experimentation and reflection.

Over the course of the session, you will have ample time to experiment with textures and patterns, working with a variety of threads, adjusting stitch scale and spacing, and combining stitches to craft unique and expressive marks. Whether you are a complete beginner or looking to expand your skills, you will learn how even the simplest stitches can yield stunning results. Richard will provide hands-on demonstrations and practical guidance throughout, ensuring you feel confident and inspired as you create.

In addition to learning embroidery techniques, this workshop is a unique chance to connect with Richard and gain insight into his artistic practice. He will share stories, influences and inspiration behind his work, offering a deeper understanding of the creative possibilities within embroidery. You will leave with new skills, fresh ideas and perhaps a renewed appreciation for the quiet beauty of handmade work.

Objectives

• Introduce and demonstrate key hand embroidery stitches
• Guide you in creating sample pieces using a mix of threads and stitch techniques
• Encourage personal experimentation with pattern, spacing and composition
• Share Richard’s inspirations and approaches to using embroidery in his studio practice

Learning Outcomes By the end of the workshop, you will be able to:

• Demonstrate a range of foundational hand embroidery stitches
• Apply stitch variations to explore texture, pattern, scale and rhythm
• Use embroidery as a tool for expressive mark-making and visual storytelling
• Reflect on the meditative and mindful aspects of the hand-stitching process

Included

On this course the tutor will supply some of the materials, including threads.

What students need to bring

Fabric:

• Cotton, linen, wool or any fabric you would like to stitch on
• Avoid tightly woven fabrics (they can be difficult to stitch through)
• A plain weave

Threads:

• A variety of threads such as Perle cotton and stranded cotton (in various sizes)
• Feel free to experiment with alternative materials like ribbons, paper yarns or string

Needles:

• A selection of hand embroidery needles in different sizes

Tools & Extras:

• Small scissors
• 15cm embroidery hoop
• Pencil and paper for notes and sketching ideas

Available to buy

Available from tutor:

• Wool flannel with printed shapes

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 7.15pm for registration. Students arriving earlier are welcome to purchase dinner in the College Dining Room from 6pm.
Students meet their tutor in the Bar at 7.30pm prompt to go to studios.
First Teaching session: 7.30pm - 9pm (attendance is essential)

Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am - 5pm
Morning session: 9.15am - 12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm - 2pm*
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
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
Teaching finishes: 3pm

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.

*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options

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