Free-motion embroidery is a foundation textile art skill. It can be used in quilting, card-making, applique and in many other creative textiles techniques.
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 this aimed at?
Quilters, Would-be textile artists, dressmakers or crafters looking for something a bit different!
What will I learn?
This workshop aims to teach you the basic techniques of free-motion embroidery:
- setting up the machine for free-motion embroidery
- guiding the needle to draw with thread
- common free-motion embroidery patterns including useful quilting designs.
- how to obtain a variety of patterns and texture effects using advanced techniques.
- use of fabric stabilisers
- the afternoon project will help you practice, to create a small stitched picture.
All materials and sewing machines are provided or you can bring your own machine. You will need a darning foot suitable for your make and model of machine and I recommend using size 14 or 16 Topstitch needles. Please check that you have your power cable/foot control, bobbins and your instruction manual.
Craft Warning: Described by Kirstie Allsopp as ‘the crack-cocaine of craft’ Free-motion machine embroidery can be seriously addictive!
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.
Links to related blog articles
My blog pages contain lots of informative articles about stuff you need to know when you start sewing. Why not spend a few minutes swotting up? Here's a couple of links to get you started.