Suitable for: Basic sewing machine experience required
Price: £80
Location: Studio 6.03A St Margaret's House, 151 London Road
Free-Motion Embroidery Workshop Edinburgh
Learn to Draw with Thread
Discover the addictive world of free-motion embroidery and learn how to transform your sewing machine into a creative tool.
Often described as “drawing with thread”, free-motion embroidery (also known as free-machine embroidery or thread painting) is the gateway skill into textile art. Once you learn these techniques, you’ll find endless ways to use them — from quilting and applique to mixed-media textiles, art journaling, handmade cards, clothing embellishment and much more.
If you’ve ever wanted to explore creative textiles but didn’t know where to begin, this workshop is the perfect starting point.
No drawing experience is needed – just curiosity and a willingness to experiment!
Why learn Free-Motion Embroidery?
Free-motion embroidery gives you the freedom to create unique designs using fabric, thread and your sewing machine. Instead of simply sewing seams, you’ll learn how to use your machine like an artist’s tool to create texture, pattern and imagery.
This versatile skill is used throughout my creative textiles programme, so if you’re unsure where to start, this workshop will give you the foundations you need to explore many other textile techniques.
It’s also perfect for adding a handmade touch to everyday crafts – from beautiful stitched cards and journal pages to personalised clothing, cushions and bags.
Who is this workshop for?
This workshop is ideal for:
- Crafters wanting to explore textile art
- Quilters looking to expand their skills
- Dressmakers wanting to embellish and personalise garments
- Beginners in creative textiles who want to learn a new skill
- Anyone curious about creating with fabric and thread
Level: Improvers onwards
Sewing experience required: You should be comfortable threading your sewing machine and winding bobbins.
What will I learn?
During this workshop you will learn the essential techniques needed to start creating your own free-motion embroidery designs, including:
- Setting up your sewing machine for free-motion embroidery
- Choosing the correct foot, needles and threads
- Learning how to guide fabric to “draw” with thread
- Creating popular free-motion patterns and quilting designs
- Experimenting with texture, layering and different effects
- Using fabric stabilisers successfully
- Developing confidence working without a pattern
In the afternoon, you’ll put your new skills into practice by creating your own small stitched picture to take home.
Course arrangements
All materials and sewing machines are provided, or you are welcome to bring your own machine.
If bringing your own machine, please also bring:
- Your power cable/foot control
- Bobbins
- Instruction manual
- A suitable darning/free-motion embroidery foot for your machine
I recommend using size 80 or 90 Topstitch needles for this technique.
Where can Free-Motion Embroidery take you?
Free-motion embroidery is a skill you’ll return to again and again. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can use it to create:
✨ Textile art pictures
✨ Quilted projects
✨ Decorative clothing
✨ Handmade cards
✨ Art journal pages
✨ Mixed-media pieces
✨ Unique gifts and home décor
It really is the skill that unlocks a whole new creative world.
Limited number of places so early booking is essential. Book here
Enquiries to jen@artisanstitch.co.uk
About Artisan Stitch
Artisan Stitch is an award-winning sewing school based in Edinburgh, offering friendly, supportive classes for beginners through to experienced stitchers. Founded by professional sewing tutor Jen Skedd, our small-group courses focus on building confidence, developing practical skills and helping every student achieve success at their own pace.
Whether you’re learning to sew for the first time, making your own clothes or exploring creative textile techniques, you’ll find expert tuition in a welcoming studio environment in the heart of Edinburgh.
To find out more about Artisan Stitch, view the full range of classes and workshops and read student reviews on their own website. Please visit our Residents Directory profile.
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Location details
St. Margaret’s House – Sixth FloorSt. Margaret’s House, 151 London Road
Edinburgh EH7 6AE