Free-motion Embroidery

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 or thread-painting, is a useful core skill for textile work. 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. Free-motion embroidery can also be used in general crafts too.  It will add interest and texture in card-making and art journals. 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
• the afternoon project will help you practice, to create a small stitched picture.

Course arrangements

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.

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?