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Drawn to Thread: Learn the Art of Free Machine Embroidery with Julie Heaton

Name: Drawn to Thread: Learn the Art of Free Machine Embroidery with Julie Heaton
Brand: Hand & Lock School
SKU: SCHGTJHDTT
Price: 250.0 GBP
Availability: InStock

By Hand & Lock School

£250.00

Tax included Shipping calculated at checkout.

Date and Time

19th - 20th November (10am - 4:30pm)

Product variants

Description
Techniques & Breakdown
Important Information
Tutor Profile

Description

Location: 86 Margaret Street, London W1W 8TE

Duration: 2 Consecutive Days

In this workshop you will learn how to use your sewing machine as a creative drawing tool. With samples of her own work to look at and touch, Julie will guide you through the processes and techniques that she uses to create her embroidered drawings. Julie will demonstrate how to set up your machine for free machine embroidery, alter tensions to blend colours and work in layers to stitch in a painterly way. She will guide you through the qualities of water-soluble fabric and the possible choice of embroidery threads. After time to practice the processes, Julie will help you to decide on a design/drawing that can be created using the learnt techniques. The planned class is designed for beginners but is also suitable for people who have some experience and would like to gain some further insight into the process of using free machine embroidery on water soluble fabric in a painterly way. It will be an inclusive two day course, whilst processes and techniques will be taught, you will be able to work at your own pace in a relaxed and creative environment. You do not need to have any experience of using a sewing machine to enjoy the class.

All sewing machines will be provided by Bernina UK.

Techniques & Breakdown

The workshop is an introduction to the possibilities of free machine embroidery. The first morning will be spent practising the techniques that Julie uses in her artwork. Following the experimentation, you will be guided through the process of making your own small, embroidered drawing ready to take home and remove the water-soluble fabric (it takes a little time for the washed drawings to dry).

Setting up a sewing machine for free motion embroidery.
Dissolvable fabric choices and reasons for using it.
How to hoop up ready to stitch.
How to transfer a design or drawing onto dissolvable fabric ready to embroider.
The various types and thicknesses of thread that can be used.
Styles of stitches and methods of embroidering on dissolvable fabric.
How to alter the tension of the top thread on the sewing machine to affect thread colour mixing on the surface of the fabric.
How to work in layers of coloured thread so that a painterly approach can be achieved.
An explanation of how the density of stitches affects the drawing.
How to remove water-soluble backing fabrics from stitched work.
Other samples, artists and books for further inspiration.

Important Information

- Check your email address is correct before ordering.

- Please read all of the the course description information above and the 'how the course works' information below before booking.

- All courses are non refundable, if you cannot attend please let us know as soon as possible and we will try to move you to another course.

- If you have any questions please check our FAQ's page here .

Tutor Profile

Julie is a Bristol based artist known for making photorealistic embroidered artworks on water-soluble fabrics. Using a process that she discovered when trying to find a way to draw where she wasn’t inhibited by preconceived ideas, Julie has developed an award-winning career. Since studying Textiles at the Royal College of Art, Julie has won the Hand and Lock Prize for Textile Art and been awarded Highly Commended at the John Ruskin Prize. Julie gives talks about her practice and provides workshops both locally and nationally

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Hand & Lock School - In Person Tambour Embroidery Course

How the Course Works

All in person courses are delivered in our embroidery school, located at Hand & Lock, 86 Margaret Street, Fitzrovia, London, W1W 8TE. The school is situated upstairs from our studio and is easily accessible by public transport.

Accessibility

Our school is located upstairs in our studio. Unfortunately the building does not have lift access, so use of the stairs would be necessary.

Materials

All of the materials you need for this class will be provided for you as part of your course experience. You are more than welcome to bring your own equipment if you would rather use your own materials but everything will be provided for you.

Teaching Style

Hand & Lock’s embroidery courses are renowned for their welcoming, community-focused atmosphere, where students of all levels are embraced as part of the Hand & Lock family. With small class sizes and attentive, personable tutors, every student receives tailored guidance and encouragement to help them achieve their creative goals. The school fosters a supportive environment where camaraderie flourishes and lifelong friendships are often formed over a shared passion for embroidery. Students frequently remark on the approachable nature of the tutors, who go above and beyond to share their expertise while celebrating each individual's progress. Beyond technical instruction, Hand & Lock creates a space where creativity thrives and students leave not just with enhanced skills but with cherished memories of collaboration, inspiration and a true sense of belonging to an extraordinary community.