Take your sewing projects to another level with the creative art of free machine embroidery. Using just your sewing machine, thread and a little imagination, you can add motifs, lettering and beautiful texture to all kinds of textile projects.

Once you've mastered the basic technique, the possibilities are endless. Free machine embroidery can be used to create intricate stitched designs, personalised embellishments and even delicate lace-like pieces worked entirely from thread on wash-away stabiliser.

During this workshop, you'll create your own embroidered lily petals and leaves before learning how to assemble them into a beautiful finished flower.

What you’ll learn

• How to set up your sewing machine for free machine embroidery
• Essential techniques and tips for successful free machine embroidery
• How to create and embellish fabric shapes using machine embroidery
• How to work with wash-away stabiliser and correctly wash and set your stitched pieces
• How to construct individual embroidered petals and leaves into a finished lily stem

Is this class for you? This workshop is ideal for anyone who can use a sewing machine with a reasonable level of confidence. No previous experience of free machine embroidery is required.

Materials: All materials will be provided 

About your Teacher: Anna Heslop first fell in love with free machine embroidery while training to be a teacher in the early 1990's. Since then, she has continued to develop her skills and has shared this technique with countless students throughout her career as a secondary Art and Textiles teacher. Today, Anna creates a range of textile art pieces and products, bringing decades of experience, creativity and enthusiasm to her teaching.

Course Duration: Full Day 

When: Saturday 12th September 2026 - 10am - 4.30pm

Venue: The workshop is held in our modern and vibrant studio at the Clothkits shop. We are located in central Chichester, about a 10 minute walk from the train and bus station. The closest car park is The Cattle Market.