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 flagship Ravenswood location. Maydel hosts teachers from all over, as well as beloved locals Lauren Yeager, Stephanie Rohr, Shannon Downey, Connie Toebe and Jean Ogilvie.

Coming up next:

SPECIAL EVENT: Candy Color Thread Painting with Danielle Clough (@fiance_knowles)—SOLD OUT. Please contact us to be added to the waitlist.

Choose your session: Saturday, August 9th OR Sunday, August 10th from 10am–5pm

embroidered pile of all sorts candy in rainbow colors

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn embroidery in-person from world-famous fiber artist Danielle Clough (a.k.a. Fiance Knowles)! These are the only workshops she’s leading in the Midwest during her trip to the States.

I’ve taken one of Danielle’s classes and they are so kind, thoughtful, inclusive, and fun. She has considered every detail—from the materials she schlepps in her luggage from South Africa to how she encourages personal expression while ensuring a satisfying finished product. It’s truly an experience to remember.

In this workshop, you’ll learn (non-intimidating) color theory, color blending and how to use direction to create dimension with thread. We cover basic embroidery stitches and contemporary techniques and merge all your newfound learnings into a candy-inspired embroidery project (not the exact one pictured—we’ll work on something more manageable 😊). We will embrace our own stitch-styles and discover our unique voices in this magical medium. Suitable for all levels of stitchers, including beginners.

For every student in the class, Danielle has personally created a super luxe, 26-piece kit (including things like LDH rainbow snips and a bepoke needle minder) so you can keep on with your new project at a leisurely pace.

These two workshop dates are bound to sell out lickety split (Danielle doesn’t travel to the U.S. often), so don’t wait to secure your spot!

Register for Saturday, August 9th—SOLD OUT. Please contact us to be added to the waitlist.

Register for Sunday, August 10th—SOLD OUT. Please contact us to be added to the waitlist.

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

Introduction to Goldwork with Lauren Yeager

Saturday, September 6th from 10am–4pm

In this class, students will learn several basic goldwork techniques that feature prominently in many historical examples of goldwork embroidery for both garment making as well as for furnishings. Students will create a raised leaf that can be finished as a framed piece or a cutwork brooch.

tambour hooks and sequins scattered on a black background

Introduction to Tambour Embroidery with Lauren Yeager – weekday session!

Monday, September 8th and Tuesday, September 9th from 10am–4pm

Learn how to embroider like the famous French couture houses in this 2-day workshop. This is a special weekday edition for theater folks and other weekend warriors.

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

Introduction to Embroidery with Lauren Yeager

Saturday, September 20th from 10am–3:30pm

Monday, September 29th from 10am–3:30pm – weekday session!

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

bead embroidery of a spray of red flowers by jake wobig

Introduction to Beaded Embellishment with Jake Wobig

Saturday, September 27th from 1–5pm

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.

red darning mend in a striped sweater sleeve

Intro to Darning with Lucy Leith – weekday session!

Tuesday, September 30th from 1–4pm

Darning is the act of repairing a torn or worn out piece of cloth by hand, weaving new threads into the old. It’s a surprisingly simple mending technique that works great for small holes, like in worn out socks, chunkier knits, jeans, and moth-eaten sweaters, without the need for additional fabric patches.

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.