Embroidery Surface Stitches | Workshop
This workshop introduces the foundations of embroidery through an exploration of both historical and contemporary fashion. You’ll examine traditional motifs inspired by nature alongside modern couture applications, building an understanding of how embroidery is used in design today. Led by couture embroidery expert Mary Brown — a graduate of the prestigious Royal School of Needlework in the UK — this workshop offers a strong starting point for developing technical skills and creative confidence.
What You’ll Learn
Embroidery opens up a whole new way to work with fabric — adding colour, texture and detail with needle and thread. Surface Stitches is the perfect place to begin, giving you the techniques and confidence to translate your own ideas and inspiration into beautiful, individual embroidery.
Working with a variety of needles and threads, you’ll explore surface stitches, silk shading, textured and padded techniques used in couture embroidery, while learning how to develop an idea from initial inspiration through to your own embroidered design.
This workshop is suitable for beginners and is also well suited to HSC Textiles & Design students planning to incorporate embroidery into their major work. It provides a strong foundation for progressing to Beading & Sequins & Goldwork Embroidery workshops.
What to Expect
This is a small, hands-on class with plenty of one-on-one guidance from Mary. Each technique is demonstrated step-by-step, after which you’ll complete your own stitched sample, building a personalised reference to support your future embroidery projects.
A workshop kit is provided, including all materials and tools required for the session, so you can focus on learning and developing your technique in a supportive studio environment.
Classes & Cost
Cost: $459 (includes materials)
Format: 12-hour workshop, 2 days
9:30am – 4:00pm (30-minute lunch break)
Upcoming 2026 dates: 18 & 25 October, 2026
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