Free-motion Embroidery

Free-motion embroidery, sometimes called ‘free-machine embroidery’ or ‘free-hand’ machine embroidery is a useful textile art skill. You can use it in quilting, card-making, applique, art journals 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?

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 exciting 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 80 or 90 Topstitch needles. Please check that you have your power cable/foot control, bobbins and your instruction manual.

Artisan Stitch operates a ‘Covid-sense’ policy in accordance with the Scottish Government’s guidance for businesses and workplaces. Protection measures including wearing of face-masks are in place to safeguard the health and well-being of staff and attendees. If you have any questions or concerns, then please contact me for clarification BEFORE you book.

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

Useful links:

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