Floral Painting and Embellishment Course

Location: Hand & Lock School for Embroidery & Creative Arts, 86 Margaret Street, Fitzrovia, London, W1W 8TE
Duration: 2 Day Workshop  (10am - 4:30pm each day)

Florals have been a central source of inspiration in fashion for centuries, appearing in everything from Renaissance textiles to contemporary couture. In this special two-day course, you will discover how to translate this timeless motif into your own embroidery, beginning with the art of silk painting to create a wash of colour across your fabric. This painted base forms the foundation for your design, which you will then bring to life with embroidery.

You will start by transferring the motif onto silk organza before moving on to explore couture embroidery techniques. These include sequin and bead application, carefully outlined with a fine gold edging to add elegance and definition. Alongside this, you will gain an understanding of the different types of metal threads and goldwork materials, learning how to handle and apply them in the couture method.

As the course progresses, you will also experiment with padding techniques to create relief within your design, giving your piece texture and dimension. By combining colour, embellishment and structure, you will develop a unique work that captures the depth and intricacy of couture florals.

The skills taught on this course are those used in the ateliers of Paris, Milan and London, giving you insight into the craftsmanship behind the world’s most celebrated fashion houses. By the end of the two days, you will not only take away a finished embroidery but also a set of techniques that can be adapted to future projects and personal designs.

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This course design is inspired by the painterly florals seen in haute couture collections around the world, especially the delicate layered motifs of designers like Elie Saab and Valentino. It begins with soft washes of colour created through silk painting before being built up with embroidery beading and goldwork to create a piece that feels both elegant and contemporary.

By combining the fluid artistry of silk painting with the precision of hand embroidery you will follow the couture tradition of blending creativity with craftsmanship. This approach lets you create depth and refinement in your design while experiencing the techniques that sit at the heart of haute couture embellishment.

Couture embroidery is a specialised form of hand embroidery that has been central to haute couture fashion since the late 19th century. It began in Paris during the Second Empire under Napoleon III when Charles Frederick Worth, known as the father of haute couture, set the standard for luxury dressmaking.

By the early 20th century houses like Chanel Dior and Balenciaga were using embroidery to transform fabrics with beads, sequins, silk and gold thread. Techniques such as appliqué and goldwork gave designers a way to add depth, detail and individuality to their collections. Embroidery was not just decoration but a way to define the character of a garment.

It quickly became a clear symbol of luxury. The time skill and precision needed set couture embroidery apart and made each piece unique.

That tradition continues today and Hand and Lock is proud to be part of it. Our embroiderers use couture techniques for fashion interiors, military dress and bespoke commissions. We carry forward the same craftsmanship that defined haute couture while adapting it for modern design.

• Our Floral Painting and Embellishment course begins with an introduction to painting on fabric. You will choose your colours from our watercolour palettes and work closely with the tutor to achieve the correct paint consistency, ensuring a smooth, even surface and balanced colour across your design.

• Once your colours are applied, you will move on to embellishment techniques, including chain stitch, hand beading and sequin work.

• A key part of this course is an introduction to metal thread work. To begin the goldwork elements, you will learn how to lay a base of felt padding to add relief and dimension to your design. You will then apply bullion using cutwork before further enhancing your piece with a goldwork twist. Each technique is taught in the couture method so that you can achieve professional, polished results.

You will be given a full course kit with everything you need to take part. All materials and tools are provided, so you only need to bring yourself.

If you would prefer, you are welcome to bring your own mug for refreshments and your own embroidery kit. This is entirely optional and not required for the course.