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, Stephanie Rohr, Shannon Downey, Connie Toebe and Jean Ogilvie.

Coming up next:

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.

Visible Mending Basics with Bliss Joy Bull – weekday evening session

Wednesday, September 10th from 6:30–8:30pm

Learn the basics of hand sewing with visible mending techniques for repairing your clothes. You’ll learn practical and decorative stitches for repairing common rips and tears in woven garments. You’ll also patch a hole with sashiko-style stitches. Beginner friendly and all materials are provided to create your own mending sampler.

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.