A Pathway into Free Motion Embroidery
It has been over 6 years since I started teaching free motion embroidery in person, and throughout this time, I noticed a pattern.
Many students came to a workshop excited, inspired… and then unsure of what to do next. Some wanted more structure. Others wanted time to explore quietly on their own. A few returned again and again, not because they wanted “more techniques”, but because they wanted space, guidance, and reassurance.
That’s what led me to rethink how my in-person workshops are structured.
Rather than offering one-off classes in isolation, I’ve shaped my free motion embroidery workshops into a progressive yet flexible pathway that supports different learning rhythms, without pressure to move quickly or “level up”.
Please note that all participants are required to have basic knowledge of how to use the sewing machine.
A pathway, not a race
The workshops are designed so that you can:
join at a level that feels right for you
take time between sessions
repeat a level if you wish
or simply attend one workshop as a standalone experience
There is no obligation to move through every stage.
The Free Motion Embroidery pathway (in-person)
Basic: Paint & Draw with Thread (Studio)
This is where we begin your journey. In this 4-hour workshop, we focus on:
setting up your sewing machine for free motion embroidery
learning how to doodle and draw with thread
combining free motion with applique
building confidence and coordination
It’s playful, exploratory, and intentionally unhurried. These sessions are held in my home studio and as it is a small group of 3, you will receive undivided attention.
Intermediate I: Building your visual stitch dictionary (Studio)
Here, we get a little technical but use a slowed down approach to help you grasp the techniques of creating texture and depth. Using a simple drawing as a shared guide, we explore how different stitches behave and how they can be used intentionally in your projects. We also look at how thread choices afffect the final outcome.
The emphasis in this 4-hour session is on observing, testing, and recording. This enables you to build a personal stitch language that you can return to again and again.
Intermediate II: Working with dissolvable fabrics (Studio)
This 4-hour workshop introduces dissolvable fabrics as a way to create lace-like textures and surfaces that can serve as embellishments for your projects. We explore density and structure and material behaviour.
You will learn:
how to sew on dissolvable fabrics and choices of dissolvable fabrics available
creating structures to hold your desired design together
creating lace and density
Advanced workshops (by request)
Advanced sessions are offered on a need-based basis and focus on either sculptural work or broderie anglaise using free motion embroidery. These are arranged through conversation, once a foundation has been established.
What if I don’t have 4 hours to spare?
If you are unable to join the 4-hour session for the basic and dissolvable fabric workshops, join the respective 2.5 hour and 3 hour sessions at Fashion Makerspace, where the fundamentals are shared. Details can be found in the links below:
Basic Free Motion Embroidery at FashionMakerspace
Intermediate: Dissolvable Fabric at FashionMakerspace
Where does Broderie Anglaise fit?
Broderie Anglaise sits alongside the free motion embroidery pathway, rather than inside it.
These workshops focus on:
traditional hand embroidery techniques
surface embellishment and mending
slow, meditative stitching
They can be taken on their own and do not require free motion embroidery experience. Many students enjoy moving between machine and hand stitching as complementary practices.
Learning at your own pace
I believe learning embroidery should feel:
grounded, not rushed
supportive, not performative
led by curiosity rather than productivity
This structure allows you to grow your practice gently, in a way that fits into real life.
If you’re unsure which workshop is right for you, you’re always welcome to reach out and ask.