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

Coming up next:

tambour hooks and sequins scattered on a black background

Intro to Tambour Embroidery with Lauren Yeager

Saturday, November 15th and Sunday, November 16th from 10am–4pm

Saturday, January 24th and Sunday, January 25th 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.

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

Embroidery Foundations with Lauren Yeager

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 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.

beginner embroidery class community comunidad

Get Started with Embroidery with Jean Ogilvie

Saturday, January 10th 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.

an embroidery sampler showing different stitches filling in triangular areas of red fabric

Stitch Builders: Fill Stitches with Lauren Yeager

Monday, January 12th 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.

crewelwork embroidery oak sprig in primary colors

Introduction to Crewelwork with Lauren Yeager

Saturday, January 17th from 10am–3:30pm

Learn the basics of working with crewel wool thread in this traditional oak leaf and acorn design. Crewelwork embroidery is a form of surface embroidery that features bold colors and textural techniques that are perfect for large design and functional home decor. We will cover the follow stitches:

Seeding Stitch
Basic Trellis Stitch
French Knot
Padded Satin Stitch
Stem Stitch
Split Stitch

Registration includes all materials.

chainmail byzantine bracelets in rainbow colors

Introduction to Chainmail with Emilia Zinger

Saturday, January 31st from 1–5pm

In this class, students will learn several basic techniques for applying real metal threads to fabric. Goldwork embroidery features prominently in many historical examples of garment making, furnishings, ecLearn how to make a fundamental chainmail weave called the Byzantine weave. It’s the building block for several more complex chainmail patterns.

This class will cover the best practices for opening and closing jump rings and weaving together a basic byzantine or box weave bracelet. Students will leave with a finished piece of chainmail jewelry.

No prior experience necessary!

Registration includes all needed materials including jump rings, pliers, and a jewelry clasp.

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

Introduction to Goldwork with Lauren Yeager

Saturday, February 28th from 10am–4pm

In this class, students will learn several basic techniques for applying real metal threads to fabric. Goldwork embroidery features prominently in many historical examples of garment making, furnishings, ecclesiastical items, and royal vestments. Students will 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.

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. 2025 dates:

November 11th (Veterans Day)
December 9th

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.