Needlepainting Moth: From Planning to Stitching

Location: 86 Margaret Street, London W1W 8TE

Duration: 2 Daily Sessions

Needlepainting, often referred to as silk shading or thread painting, is the  slow and gentle art of creating lifelike images through the careful  positioning and blending of subtle shades of thread. This course  will explore the process of creating and designing a project, from  picking the subject matter to planning your stitch direction and  shading guidelines. 

After exploring the process of creating a project, we will start stitching an  exclusive design, created especially for Hand and Lock, depicting  a small magpie moth in fine silk floss thread. Putting into practice  the principles that can help to create the flow, movement and  depth of silk shading embroidery. 

Needlepainting is a slow and mindful process and this course aims to get  you started on your journey. You will not complete the embroidery  during the course but will be given the materials and knowledge  to go away and experience silk shading in your own time and at  your own pace.

During this 2 day class you will learn a wide range of thread work techniques and the creative process behind the stitching, starting with the stitch direction plan and shading guidelines. You will then begin the embroidery, split stitching outlines and learn the intricate art of long and short stitch. Over the course of the lesson you will become an expert in thread painting.

All of the materials you need for this class will be provided for you as part of your course experience. You are more than welcome to bring your own embroidery equipment if you would rather use your own materials but everything will be provided for you.

Location

You can find us at 86 Margaret Street, London W1W 8TE

To see the nearest tube stops and bus routes and to see a selection of our favourite places to eat, drink and stay have a look at our Useful Information page here.

Accessibility

Our in person classes are taught in our school which is located upstairs in our studio. Unfortunately the building does not have lift access, so use of the stairs would be necessary.

Tutor Profile

Victoria Matthewson is a self-taught hand embroidery artist specialising in  fine silk shading embroidery. 

After winning ‘Needlecrafter of the Year 2018’ at the Knitting and Stitching  show with her seven-spot ladybird, Victoria went on to develop her  needle painting skills further and built a reputation for her detailed, lifelike  embroideries of native invertebrates and wild flowers. 

Working from her small garden workshop in South Wales, where she lives  with her husband and two children, her work is inspired by the nature that  surrounds her. With a desire to combine embroidery with education and  conservation she published ‘Needlepainted Plants and Pollinators: an insect  lover’s guide to silk shading embroidery’ in November 2021. The book aimed  to highlight the decline of pollinators other than honeybees and foster a  respect for these unsung heroes through the gentle focus that embroidery  brings. 

Victoria recently won the visitors choice award at the Crickhowell open art  competition and is now excited to explore further the place of embroidery  within the art world.

Testimonials

If you would like to hear from some of our past students you can read our testimonials here. For more information about our courses check out our FAQ page  here.