Module 1002: Exploration of Embroidery for Haute Couture Fashion

Location: Via Zoom

Duration: Weekly 3 hour sessions 

Haute couture embroidery craftsmanship and artistic expression in the realm of fashion explore the finest and most technically advanced levels of hand stitching. This beautiful artform elevates garments by adding crystal work detailing and beading using a Tambour (Luneville) Hook transforming fabrics into works of breath taking quality.

This unit will teach you how to develop a design fitted to a pattern piece and add textural depth through material selection as you push the boundaries of metal threads, silks and beads. You will learn the mechanics of creating pieces with a Tambour Hook working from the underside of the fabric to attach crystals and beads as you develop and craft your own surface embellishment.

Entry Requirements:  No formal qualifications are required for joining the course, but those who have never embroidered before are encouraged to attend at least one Hand & Lock online course first.

Each of our Diploma units has a bespoke design brief to help you begin to craft your design ideas. *Disclaimer: The amount of inspiration you take from the brief is up to you, the brief is designed as a guide to assist you in starting the design process and can be taken in any direction you desire as long as it is explained.

The Hand & Lock Diploma’s ‘Embroidery for Haute Couture Fashion’ module invites participants to immerse themselves in the timeless and intricate world of Abstract Renaissance artistry. This thematic exploration encourages artisans to craft their own embroidery piece inspired by the classical elegance and cultural richness of the Renaissance period.

Participants are encouraged to delve into the opulent visual language of this historical period, drawing inspiration from iconic artists, architectural marvels, and the nuanced hues that defined the Renaissance aesthetic.

The design process should begin with a thoughtful exploration of the chosen elements within the theme of this unit, Abstract Renaissance. Consider incorporating motifs reminiscent of the works of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, or Raphael. Architectural elements such as ornate columns, celestial motifs, and classical statuary can also play a significant role in shaping the embroidery narrative. The colour palette for your hand embroidery piece should mirror the richness and sophistication of Renaissance art. From the earthy tones of sienna and ochre to the deep blues and reds reminiscent of royal attire, participants are encouraged to experiment with an array of thread colours, bringing to life the palette that defined this golden age of artistic expression.

As artisans embark on this creative endeavour, they are urged to employ various embroidery techniques to echo the intricate details found in Renaissance masterpieces. Whether it be fine satin stitches to replicate the delicate folds of garments or meticulous goldwork to evoke the opulence of the era, the choice of techniques should align with the overall design concept.

Week 1:

Meet & Greet: Students meet each other and are introduced to their Hand & Lock tutor. Course overview (mark schemes, submitting work, deadlines, how the course will run)

Brief Overview (review of the content of the brief for the Module)

Research and Design (design techniques, creating moodboards, using resources, Hand & Lock resources, guidelines for research and design)

Discussion of Fashion Specific Requirements (what is a pattern piece, how are pattern pieces used, tacking out your pattern piece, finding a suitable pattern, working with pattern pieces)

Demonstration: Designing, mark making, sketching, layering ideas, researching, planning etc. Guidelines of work that need to be produced for week 3 

Week 2:

Haute Couture Embroidery Sampling (Sampling Haute Couture Embroidery techniques in standard Couture Materials)

Taught content: Transferring designs onto sheer fabric, Introduction to Tambour (mechanics of using a Tambour hook, chain stitch, applying beads)

Students will be able to show tutors their designs from week 1 to receive some initial feedback during the session for submission in week 3.

Week 3: 

Haute Couture Embroidery Sampling (Sampling Haute Couture Embroidery techniques in standard Couture Materials)

Taught content: Tambour (bugle beads, cupped sequins, flat sequins)

Students will be able to show tutors their designs from week 1 to receive some initial feedback during the session 

Submission of 3 Designs and 1 Final Design proposal

Tutors Feedback on Submissions before the start of week 4

Week 4: 

Review of Feedback - any questions students have about the feedback offered by tutors

Taught content: Tambour Beading (placing the flis, rich stitch couching, rich stitch lines, pulled work with metallic thread)

Haute Couture Embroidery Sampling (Sampling Haute Couture Embroidery techniques in standard Couture Materials) 

Week 5: 

Haute Couture Embroidery Sampling (Sampling Haute Couture Embroidery techniques in standard Couture Materials)

Taught Content: Creating a stitch plan (using stitch directions, relief plans, colour plans etc using sample unit piece as a guide)

Outlines of the submission guidelines for week 6

Week 6:

Students to present their final designs and talk about their designs to students and tutors

Transferring designs onto fabric including mapping out your pattern piece (this must be completed by week 7) 

Week 7:

Tailored help and advice sessions for students as they realise their final designs, tweaking stitching and plans week by week

Additional techniques which may be covered if relevant to individual students designs: hand beading, crystal work, applying 3D embellishments, stitching with passing thread, padding satin thread work, creating design relief. (the additional techniques may differ depending on the designs produced by students in the course as the following sessions will be tailored to the designs produced) 

Week 8:

Tailored help and advice sessions for students as they realise their final designs, tweaking stitching and plans week by week 

Week 9:

Tailored help and advice sessions for students as they realise their final designs, tweaking stitching and plans week by week

Discussion of the format for the submissions for the final week 

Week 10:

Final session with the tutor, help and advice on designs, submission guidelines etc.

How to take designs further and how to create a finalised Diploma Module Submission

A discussion about the self evaluation 200 words that is required alongside the final submission 

After the live taught teaching session (optional)

Week 17: Final Submission (all students to submit their work for initial marking by tutors)

Week 19: Assessment Marks Given

Students can then resubmit their work for marking up to two years after the Final Initial Submission date. 

Kit List

Included within this course is a generous kit of basic materials for you to produce the fundamental technique samples within this unit of the Diploma.

Your kit for this unit will include: Metal bullions, Strung Bugle Beads, Strung Seed Beads, Racaille Seed Beads, Matte Fil A Gant Threads, Metallic Fil A Gant Threads, Invisible Fil A Gant Threads, Strung Cupped Sequins, Strung Flat Sequins, Embroidery Needles, Crystals, Silk embroidery thread from the Hand & Lock Archive, Gold Passing Thread, Anchor Threads, Silk Organza, Floristry Wire, Dressmaking pins.

We encourage you to be as creative as possible and we would love for you to source your own original materials to add to the final piece you create with us. When you sign up to the course we will share our comprehensive list of suppliers for any materials you would like to purchase additionally. This is not mandatory but it is encouraged as you will be able to explore individual design creativity. Students will also receive 10% off the Hand & Lock shop online and in person for the duration of their course.

You will need to source a slate frame for working each unit (this frame can then be used across all of your units). If you require information on sourcing a slate frame please contact us via email on school@handembroidery.com. Students will also need to have drawing and designing implements for the design elements of the course. Please ensure you have pens, pencils, coloured pencils, paints and any additional materials you would like to design with. 

Shipping Details

Included within this course is a kit of basic materials for you to produce the fundamental technique samples within this unit of the Diploma. To complete your final piece with your own design you will be encouraged to curate your own stock of materials to use in a contemporary way. Your kits will be shipped out from Hand & Lock as part of the booking of this course. All International Parcels will be shipped via express courier at least two weeks before this class is due to start. Please do not book onto this course if you are within the two week window before the course starts and you live outside of the UK. UK parcels will be shipped at least three days before the course is due to start. UK parcels will be shipped express via Royal Mail.

Please note that the address that you book the course with will be the address that the kit is sent out to, so please double check your address before booking. Shipping cost is included in the cost of the course, if the kit needs to be resent an additional cost will need to be paid.

Please do not place orders to PO boxes or third party shipping companies, Hand & Lock are not responsible for any additional costs or the replacement of kits if any issues occur.

Technical Information

Our online courses are delivered via Zoom using a high quality visualiser. Please download Zoom before the course begins (we will send a guide on how to do this when the course is booked). We also have an accompanying WhatsApp group for each of our courses. This group enables you to connect with other students and the tutor by sharing photos of your progress. Please download WhatsApp before the course starts (we will also send a guide on how to do this when the course is booked). All of our online course sessions and recorded and sent out after the class for you to keep forever! They are sent on a link for you to download after the class so please don't worry if you miss a session of tutoring, you can always catch up using the recording.

Embroidery Design Elements

Each unit of the Diploma includes an element of hand embroidery design. This can often be seen as intimidating but we encourage you to see it as the most exciting aspect of the course as you can craft your own pieces. Our tutors will guide you through the design process from creating moodboards and researching your designs to creating your final stitch and padding plans. No prior design or drawing experience is required for the course.

Assessment Information

Assessment of work is completely optional, students will be awarded with a Certificate of Completion if they choose not to submit their work for marking and a Certificate of Achievement if they do. The Certificate of Achievement will detail the level achieved through the assessment process. There are three submission points. The first two submissions occur as you are completing each unit to provide you with detailed feedback as you work through the unit to give you a clear direction and understanding of improvements and developments. The final submission is then used to determine your final assessment mark.

Tutor Profiles

Our bespoke online classes are taught by expert hand embroiderers who have worked in the couture industry for brands such as Alexander McQueen, Chanel, Dior, Valentino, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, YSL, Givenchy, Dolce & Gabbana, Schiaparelli, Lanvin and Burberry to name a few. The classes will cover the basics, insider tips and practical application making sure students are fully equipped to go on and apply what they have learned to their own garments and develop their own unique styles. Our tutors are work embroiderers first and tutors second which means they are able to give you a unique insight into the magical world of couture hand embroidery.

Here at Hand & Lock we pride ourselves on teaching couture hand embroidery in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Students are encouraged to chat with tutors and other students on their course. We have often found our courses lead to friendships from around the world. Immerse yourself in a 10 week course with like minded students and attentive tutors who are with you every step of the way.

Read more about our amazing tutors here

Testimonials

If you would like to hear feedback from some of our past course students you can read our testimonials here.

More About the Diploma

If you would like to read more about The Hand & Lock Diploma in Creative Embroidery please see more here

Please note the Diploma is not eligible as part of the Hand & Lock Reward Scheme, so points cannot be earned or spent on the Diploma.