Maydel Chicago - Craft Classes in Embroidery and More

World-class needlework instruction has come to Chicago! Whether you’re looking for the gentlest possible introduction to embroidery or an in-depth technique intensive, chances are you’ll find it at our new Lakeview/Roscoe location. Maydel hosts teachers from all over, as well as beloved locals Lauren Yeager, Jean Ogilvie, Jake Wobig, Lucy Leith, Sunyoung Seo, Stephanie Rohr, Shannon Downey, and Connie Toebe.

Coming up next:

tambour hooks and sequins scattered on a black background

Intro to Tambour Embroidery with Lauren Yeager

Saturday, August 15th AND Sunday, August 16th, from 10am–4pm—SOLD OUT

Monday, November 9th AND Tuesday, November 10th, from 10am–4pm

Learn how to embroider like the famous French couture houses in this 2-day workshop.

Tambour embroidery uses a tambour hook on framed fabric to create an efficient method for embellishing fabric in a variety of ways using a linked chain stitch. In this two-day workshop students will learn the basics of fabric set up, fabric transfer methods, and a selection of techniques widely used for creating elaborate works on a sheer ground.

Techniques will include:

Basic chain, starting and stopping a lock stitch (Day 1)
Chain Stitch for Filled Areas, Reverse Chain Fill, and Herringbone (Day 1)
Basic Sequin application, Directional Sequin Cascade, and Flat Stitched Sequin (Day 2)
Seed bead application, Bugle bead application, Alternating Beads for Creating Patterns (Day 2)

Price includes all materials, including a wooden tambour handle, 3 tambour hook needles, sequins, beads, organza fabric and gloving thread.

Tambour is a professional technique, so this class is best for those with some prior hand sewing or embroidery experience.

an embroidery sampler showing different stitches filling in triangular areas of red fabric

Stitch Builders with Lauren Yeager

Saturday, September 12th from 10am–3:30pm

Students will spend the day practicing several of the most commonly used embroidery stitches as they create a sampler to showcase what they’ve learned. Great for ambitious beginners who want an introduction to professional-style techniques as well as stitchers who want to brush up on their skills. This class will leave you ready to tackle most commercially available embroidery patterns at the end of the day.

warm colored stitches embroidery sampler on dark gray striped fabric in a hoop

Embroidery Foundations with Lauren Yeager

Saturday, August 22nd from 10am–3:30pm

Saturday, October 10th from 10am–3:30pm

Tuesday, October 13th from 10am–3:30pm

Saturday, December 12th from 10am–3:30pm

fruits and veggies punch needle embroidery with floss and tools

Punch Needle Embroidery with Sunyoung Seo

Friday, August 28th from 10am–2pm

This beginner-friendly punch needle embroidery workshop offers an easy and relaxing introduction to creating textured fiber art. Tailored for all skill levels, you’ll learn several options for pattern tracing and then use embroidery floss to create vibrant designs on linen twill fabric.

canvas stitches needlepoint pincushion workshop class

Canvas Stitches for Needlepoint with Lauren Yeager

Saturday, August 29th from 10am–3:30pm

In this class, you’ll practice several useful stitches for filling background areas in needlepoint designs while creating a pincushion sampler to show what you’ve learned. Canvas stitches help the embroiderer convey a sense of texture and movement on a counted gridded ground fabric.

Included stitches:

Tent Stitch
Byzantine Stitch
Florentine Stitch
Parisian Stitch

This workshop is suitable for beginners as well as more experienced stitchers who want to learn something new.

beginner embroidery class community comunidad

Get Started with Embroidery with Jean Ogilvie

Friday, September 25th from 10am–1pm

Build your embroidery skills within a supportive craft community!

This beginner class teaches the basics for those new to embroidery or looking to improve their fundamentals. Students are welcome to use the provided pattern or to draw their own design using a few simple lines and fill shapes.

In addition to threading needles, tying knots, stretching fabric in a hoop, and starting/finishing stitches, we will work our way through the following techniques:

Straight stitch
Back stitch
Stem stitch
Satin stitch

No prior sewing experience needed. Pattern will be available in English and Spanish.

A hand holding a life-sized shrimp made of felt over a pretend sauce cup, next to a bowl holding five more felt shrimp

Stitch a Shrimp with Lauren Yeager

Sunday, September 20th from 12:30–4pm

Come indulge in cuteness, skill building, and pure joy in this easy introduction to hand-sewn soft sculpture. This class will teach you to construct a 3-dimensional critter with embroidered and beaded embellishment. You’ll receive the materials and know-how to stitch 3–4 additional shrimp, along with hardware you can use to turn your shrimp into a pin or a charm.

Basic prior experience using a needle and thread is recommended.

Swiss Darning with red thread on a beige sweater

Intro to Swiss Darning with Lucy Leith

Saturday, October 3rd from 10am–1pm

Swiss Darning is a mending technique that uses a needle and yarn to re-knit holes in knit fabrics for an “invisible” or bold and geometric look.

In this workshop, you will be provided a knit sample and a mini-zine to follow along in a step-by-step Swiss darning demonstration. The majority of class time will be spent darning the prepared sample, but depending on your level of comfort working with knits, you may also mend your own knit items at the end of class. If you bring any moth-eaten items, please wash and/or freeze them for a week first!

It’s helpful but not necessary for students to have some basic experience with sewing or knitting.

realistic embroidery of a pansy spray on gold silk

Intro to Needlepainting with Lauren Yeager

Two-part class: takes place Sunday October 18th AND Ocotber 25th from 10am–3:30pm

Ready to level up your stitching? In this workshop you’ll learn how to blend colors together to create new shades, and also learn how to layer colors for starker color transitions. We will practice how to needlepaint from wider to narrower areas, and move expertly around curves to create realistic-looking botanicals.

We will all be working from the same pre-printed pansy design. This class is recommended for those with at least some prior stitching experience.

A sashiko stitched basket and set of coasters displayed with the supplies needed to make them

Sashiko 101 with Sunyoung Seo

Saturday, October 24th from 10am–2pm

Discover the beauty of authentic Sashiko in this immersive 4-hour workshop, where you’ll be guided through the fundamental rules and philosophy behind this traditional Japanese stitching technique using a palm thimble.

Open to all skill levels, including beginners.

Visible Mending with Lucy Leith

Saturday, November 21st from 10am–1pm

Bring a well-worn item to fix, and we will provide the materials and expertise to walk you through a creative and durable repair over the course of this afternoon workshop. You will get an overview of patchwork stitching basics (including the running stitch, whip stitch, sashiko, darning, and blanket stitch) and gain the direction to plan and complete a durable, beautiful mend. Physical examples of mended garments for inspiration and materials will be provided.

Experience stitching with a needle and thread is helpful but not required.

crewelwork embroidery oak sprig in primary colors

Introduction to Crewelwork with Lauren Yeager

Sunday, January 10th, from 10am–3:30pm

Learn the basics of working with crewel wool thread in this traditional oak leaf and acorn design. Crewelwork embroidery is a form of surface embroidery that features bold colors and textural techniques that are perfect for large design and functional home decor.

Registration includes all needed supplies.

Monthly open stitch nights

Come join new and old friends for two hours of casual crafting in a supportive environment. Bring your own project or purchase one in-store. We have scissors, threaders, and other tools available for use. Please refrain from bringing anything that might stain our tables or floors, such as colored drinks, or paints.

Takes place on the second Tuesday of every month from 6–8pm. Always free to attend. 2026 dates:

January 13th
February 10th
March 10th
April 14th (Yom HaShoah)
May 12th
June 9th
July 14th
August 11th
September 8th
October 13th
November 10th
December 8th

Private classes and tutoring

To book a private embroidery class in our studio (many levels and techniques available), please get in touch. Private classes require a $150 non-refundable deposit and a minimum of 4 students. Private embroidery tutoring is also available, with pricing set individually by teachers.