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, Jake Wobig, Stephanie Rohr, Shannon Downey, Connie Toebe and Jean Ogilvie.
Coming up next:
Intro to Visible Mending with Jake Wobig – weekday session!
Friday, October 17th from 1–4pm
Breathe new life into your favorite clothes with the art of visible mending. In this hands-on class, you’ll learn simple, creative techniques to repair holes, rips, and worn spots while adding personality and charm. From sashiko-inspired stitching to patching with flair, we’ll cover both practical and decorative approaches. Perfect for hobbyists who want to slow down, reduce waste, and turn flaws into features—no sewing experience required!
Please bring an item to mend! Class fee includes all other needed supplies.
Cross-Stitching on Clothing and Linens with Lauren Venell
Saturday, October 25th from 1–4pm
Love to cross-stitch but wish you could get your designs out of the frame and into the real world? This class will teach you how to add cross-stitch patterns to any fabric using waste canvas. We’ll work with a repeating motif designed by tatreez artist Elian Aboudi, but you can apply the same techniques using any counted cross-stitch or needlepoint pattern.
Students are invited and encouraged to bring their own item to decorate with cross-stitch. Class fee includes all needed supplies, including needles, basting thread, three colors of DMC floss and a sheet of Zweigart natural cotton waste canvas.
100% of the pattern proceeds from this class will be donated to Heal Palestine.
Embroidery Foundations with Lauren Yeager
Monday, September 29th from 10am–3:30pm – SOLD OUT
Saturday, November 1st from 10am–3:30pm
Saturday, December 6th from 10am–3:30pm
Monday, December 15th 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 students 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.
Introduction to Beaded Embellishment with Jake Wobig
Monday, November 3rd from 1–5pm – weekday session!
Love sparkle and texture? This class introduces you to the world of beaded embroidery—where every stitch adds dimension and shine. If you’re intrigued by tambour but would like to start with a more beginner-friendly technique this is a great way to get started working with beads and sequins.
Get Started with Embroidery with Jean Ogilvie
Saturday, November 8th from 2–5pm
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.
Intro to Tambour Embroidery with Lauren Yeager
Saturday, November 15th and Sunday, November 16th 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.
Registration includes all materials, including a wooden tambour handle, 3 tambour hook needles, sequins, beads, fabric and thread. Students will be able to choose from several color palettes on the first day of class.
Embroidery Foundations with Lauren Yeager
Saturday, November 22nd from 10am–3:30pm
Part of Lauren Yeager’s popular series, this session will cover a group of stitches used for filling in areas of a design, including:
- Battlements couching
- Padded satin stitch
- Herringbone
- Herringbone filling
- Van Dyke stitch
- Pekinese stitch
- Chevron filling
- Cretin stitch
You will also practice production-level embroidery skills such as how to thread needles and tie knots quickly and efficiently. Suitable for advanced beginners or anyone with some prior experience sewing by hand.
Registration includes all materials.
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.
Recent previous classes:
Please contact us if you’d like to be notified when we re-open any of our current or past classes.
Introduction to Cross-Stitch with Stephanie Rohr
DIY Shoe Embroidery with Melissa Galbraith
Gurzeh min Gazeh (A Stitch from Gaza) with Tamara
Introduction to Needle Painting with Lauren Yeager
Introduction to Tambour Embroidery with Lauren Yeager
Embroider a Vintage Chicago Postcard with Connie Toebe
Intro to Embroidery for Decorative Mending with Lauren Yeager
Introduction to Goldwork with Lauren Yeager