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, Lucy Leith, Sunyoung Seo, Stephanie Rohr, Shannon Downey, Connie Toebe and Jean Ogilvie.
Coming up next:
All-You-Can-Stitch Shrimp with Lauren Yeager
Saturday, March 21st from 1–4pm (only two spots left!)
It’s shrimp week at Maydel! Come indulge in cuteness, skill building, and pure joy in this easy introduction to hand-sewn soft sculpture. You’ll receive the materials and know-how to stitch 4–5 shrimp, along with hardware you can use to turn your shrimp into a pin or a charm. Also great as ornaments, napkin rings, and many other accessories.
This class will teach you to construct a 3-dimensional critter with embroidered and beaded embellishment. You’ll practice your skills with additional shrimp so you can solidify your knowledge and grow your crustacean collection. How many scromps can you stitch during class time? The sky’s the limit!
Registration fee includes the cost of all needed materials.
Tatreez with Waste Canvas with Tamara
Saturday, March 28th from 2–5pm
In this class, you’ll learn how to use waste canvas to cross-stitch onto non-gridded fabric. We’ll cover basics including design measurements & calculations, waste canvas count, basting, and removing the waste canvas upon finishing the embroidery to reveal your masterpiece—a cross-stitched zipper pouch! We’ll also cover the basics of Palestinian cross stitch embroidery (tatreez).
Having some prior experience with cross-stitch is helpful but not required.
Registration fee includes the cost of all needed materials.
Visible Mending Workshop with Lucy Leith
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.
Registration fee includes the cost of all materials.
Sashiko 101 with Sunyoung Seo
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.
You’ll practice core skills using a stitching exercise sampler, building confidence as you learn the ladder stitch and how to create a clean, hidden knot. After learning Sashiko stitching, you’ll apply your skills to craft a finished Sashiko coaster while gaining a strong foundation for further exploration of Sashiko.
Open to all skill levels, including beginners.
Registration fee includes the cost of all materials.
Intro to Tambour Embroidery with Lauren Yeager
Saturday, April 18th AND Sunday, April 19th 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. 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
- Chain Stitch for Filled Areas, Reverse Chain Fill, and Herringbone
- Basic Sequin application, Directional Sequin Cascade, and Flat Stitched Sequin.
- Seed bead application, Bugle bead application, Alternating Beads for Creating Patterns.
Registration fee includes the cost of all materials.
Embroidery Foundations with Lauren Yeager
Sunday, April 26th from 10am–3:30pm
Monday, May 18th 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.
SPECIAL EVENT: Stumpwork Strawberry with Melissa Galbraith
Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn with visiting Seattle artist and author of 3D Botanical Embroidery & Stumpwork, Melissa Galbraith of MCreativeJ!
In this full-day class you’ll learn how to make a sculptural strawberry and leaves that stick out from the fabric. You’ll learn how to stitch the stem stitch, pistil stitch, detached chain stitch, berry stitch, couching, long and short satin stitch, button hole stitch, and corded detached buttonhole stitch. All materials are included.
This class is best suited for makers that have stitched before, however all are welcome.
Get Started with Embroidery with Jean Ogilvie
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.
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.
Recent previous classes:
Please contact us if you’d like to be notified when we re-open any of our current or past classes.
Sashiko 101 with Sunyoung Seo
Introduction to Crewelwork with Lauren Yeager
Introduction to Chainmail with Emilia Zinger
Introduction to Cross-Stitch with Stephanie Rohr
DIY Shoe Embroidery with Melissa Galbraith
Intro to Tambour Embroidery with Lauren Yeager
Gurzeh min Gazeh (A Stitch from Gaza) with Tamara
Introduction to Needle Painting with Lauren Yeager
Introduction to Beaded Embellishment with Jake Wobig
Embroider a Vintage Chicago Postcard with Connie Toebe
Intro to Embroidery for Decorative Mending with Lauren Yeager
Cross-Stitch on Clothing and Linens with Lauren Venell