In-Person Classes

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 flagship Ravenswood location. Maydel hosts teachers from all over, including beloved locals Lauren Yeager, Shannon Downey, and Connie Toebe.

Coming up next:

embroidery of a spray of roses on gray fabric

Introduction to Needle Painting with Lauren Yeager

Saturday, March 1st from 10am–3:30pm (with a break for lunch)

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 rose design, and the project can be finished within the allotted class time. This class is recommended for those with at least some prior stitching experience.

Price includes all materials, including printed pattern on silk taffeta, needles, embroidery floss, backing fabric, a polished wooden hoop and lace trim.

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

Introduction to Embroidery with Lauren Yeager

Saturday, March 8th from 10am–3:30pm (with a break for lunch)

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. The January 26th session will cover all of the following:

Satin stitch
Buttonhole stitch
French knots
Backstitch
Whipped backstitch
Chain stitch
Whipped chain stitch
Trellis stitch
Stem stitch

This class will also introduce you to foundational embroidery skills such as how to thread the needle, how to start and end your threads, and how to stretch fabric in an embroidery hoop.

Great for absolute beginners as well as stitchers who want to brush up on their skills.

Price includes all materials, including silk and cotton fabrics, needles, embroidery floss, perle cotton thread, gum paste wires, and full-color printed instruction booklet.

Gurzeh min Gazeh (A Stitch from Gaza) with Tamara

Saturday, March 29th from 1–3pm

Teaching traditional Palestinian tatreez embroidery techniques with a focus on motifs from the historic Gaza region. The motif shown is only one example of several you can choose from.

You’ll learn how to thread a needle, weave the thread through Aida cloth and secure the thread, as well as the basics of cross-stitch embroidery. All skill levels are welcome, whether you’re new to embroidery or a skilled practitioner.

If you have existing Gaza tatreez projects and would like to bring them to work on those alongside, feel free to.

Class fee includes all necessary supplies, including 11-count Aida fabric, DMC perle cotton thread size 8, and a tapestry needle. A portion of each class fee will be donated to Heal Palestine.

tambour hooks and sequins scattered on a black background

Introduction to Tambour with Lauren Yeager

Saturday, April 5th & Sunday, April 6th from 10am–3:30pm (with a break for lunch)

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

Tambour embroidery uses a hooked needle on framed fabric to create an efficient method for embellishing 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
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.

Price includes all materials, including a wooden tambour handle, 3 tambour hook needles, sequins, beads, organza fabric and gloving thread. Students will be able to choose from several color palettes on the first day of class.

goldwork embroidery leaf with spangles on blue fabric in a wooden hoop

Introduction to Goldwork with Lauren Yeager

Saturday, April 12th from 10am–4pm (with a break for lunch)

In this class, students will learn several basic historical goldwork techniques to create a raised leaf that can be finished as a framed piece or a cutwork brooch.

This class is best for students with some prior experience with embroidery or hand sewing.

Techniques included:

Basic identification of several metalwork threads
Metal thread handling
Proper thread waxing
Cut work
Couching
Goldwork applique
Applying spangles

Registration fee includes the cost of all needed materials, including real gilt wire threads and spangles, fabric, needles, real wool felt, and locally made beeswax.

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.