Learn Free-motion Embroidery – online class

Free-motion embroidery, sometimes called ‘free-machine embroidery’ is a useful textile art skill. It can be used in quilting, card-making, applique and in many other creative textiles techniques. So if you’re wondering where to start with creative textiles, then I recommend you take this workshop and find out why Kirstie Allsopp calls this the ‘crack-cocaine of craft’!

Course description

Free-motion embroidery, also known as Free-Machine embroidery, is a useful core skill for Textile Artists, Quilters and Felters. Many of my other creative textiles workshops involve free-motion embroidery so if you’re not sure which one to take, then I recommend this workshop as a starting point. No ‘drawing’ experience is necessary.

This workshop will teach you how to use a sewing machine as a creative tool.  Whether you want to quilt, create mixed media art, make cards, or do applique or embroidery on your clothes, this course will show you a variety of ways to do it.

Who is Free-motion embroidery aimed at?

Quilters, Would-be textile artists, dressmakers or crafters looking for something a bit different! FME can also be used for card-making, to decorate clothing, cushions and bags.

Level:  Improvers onwards (Basic sewing machine experience required – you must be able to wind bobbins and thread the machine)

What will I learn?

This workshop aims to teach you the basic techniques of FME. It will also cover some advanced techniques to introduce texture into your work:

• setting up the machine
• guiding the needle to draw with thread
• common free-hand embroidery patterns including useful quilting designs.
• how to obtain a variety of patterns and texture effects using advanced techniques.
• use of fabric stabilisers

Course arrangements

This class is taking place online. You will need to have your sewing machine ready with a darning foot suitable for your make and model of machine. Lower the feed dogs, or cover them with a piece of card. Have a bobbin or two ready wound, and plenty of thread. Universal needles are fine, or you could use size 90 Schmetz Topstitch needles.
You’ll also need:

• an embroidery hoop,
• 2 or 3 pieces of calico-type fabric, approx 30 x 30cm (12″ x 12″)
• cotton perle, or a skein of hand-embroidery cotton
• an empty bobbin

If you’d like to know how you can use free-motion embroidery, then take a look at some of my other creative textiles arts courses.

Useful links:

Get to the point. How to choose the correct sewing machine needles.

If you’re interested in learning more about textiles, then why not join the Embroiderers’ Guild?