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, Jean Ogilvie, Jake Wobig, Lucy Leith, Sunyoung Seo, Stephanie Rohr, Shannon Downey, and Connie Toebe.
Class Calendar
Monthly Open Stitch Nights (free)
Special Event: Grand opening of the Maydel Needlework Reference Library
Saturday, September 26th from 11am–4:30pm
Help us mark one year in Lakeview by celebrating our newest community resource: the Maydel Needlework Reference Library!
Made possible through several generous donations, we will (permanently) have hundreds of books available on tons of different embroidery and related fiber art topics, from goldwork to lacemaking to traditional cross-stitch samplers. In addition to soaking up the wisdom and inspiration in these titles, we’ll have:
- 1–3pm: Book signings with some of our favorite local (and world-famous) authors, including Stephanie Rohr of StephXStitch and Shannon Downey of Badass Cross-Stitch
- Open crafting: bring your own project or pick up a kit. We have tons of book-related and seasonal autumn designs
- Snacks, drinks, and music!
Regularly recurring classes:
 | Get Started with Embroidery, taught by Jean Ogilvie Friday, September 25th from 10am–1pm Sunday, November 8th from 10am–1pm |
 | Embroidery Foundations, taught by Lauren Yeager Saturday, October 10th from 10am–3:30pm Tuesday, October 13th from 10am–3:30pm Saturday, December 12th from 10am–3:30pm |
 | Sashiko 101, taught by Sunyoung Seo Saturday, October 24th from 10am–2pm |
 | Intro to Tambour Embroidery, taught by Lauren Yeager Monday, November 9th AND Tuesday, November 10th, from 10am–4pm—SOLD OUT Monday, December 7th AND Tuesday, December 8th, from 10am–4pm |
 | Visible Mending, taught by Lucy Leith Saturday, November 21st from 10am–1pm |
 | Stitch Builders, taught by Lauren Yeager Fill Stitches, Saturday, September 12th from 10am–3:30pm |
Specialty classes:
Stitch a Shrimp with Lauren Yeager
Sunday, September 20th from 12:30–4pm
Come indulge in cuteness, skill building, and pure joy in this easy introduction to hand-sewn soft sculpture. This class will teach you to construct a 3-dimensional critter with embroidered and beaded embellishment. You’ll receive the materials and know-how to stitch 3–4 additional shrimp, along with hardware you can use to turn your shrimp into a pin or a charm.
Basic prior experience using a needle and thread is recommended.
Intro to Embroidery for Decorative Mending with Lauren Yeager
Sunday, September 27th from 10am–3:30pm
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.
Intro to Swiss Darning with Lucy Leith
Saturday, October 3rd from 10am–1pm
Swiss Darning is a mending technique that uses a needle and yarn to re-knit holes in knit fabrics for an “invisible” or bold and geometric look.
In this workshop, you will be provided a knit sample and a mini-zine to follow along in a step-by-step Swiss darning demonstration. The majority of class time will be spent darning the prepared sample, but depending on your level of comfort working with knits, you may also mend your own knit items at the end of class. If you bring any moth-eaten items, please wash and/or freeze them for a week first!
It’s helpful but not necessary for students to have some basic experience with sewing or knitting.
Intro to Needlepainting with Lauren Yeager
Two-part class: takes place Sunday October 18th AND Ocotber 25th from 10am–3:30pm
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 pansy design. This class is recommended for those with at least some prior stitching experience.
Special Halloween class: Pumpkin pincushion with Lauren Yeager
Saturday, October 31st, from 10am–3:30pm
Get into the fall spirit this Halloween and learn to make your very own felt pincushion! Class ends before trick-or-treating begins so you have a project to keep you occupied while waiting to hand out candy this year. A great gift you can make in one day, or a super handy tool for your own stitching.
Registration includes all needed supplies.
Introduction to Crewelwork with Lauren Yeager
Sunday, January 10th, 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.
Registration includes all needed supplies.
Class Calendar
Monthly Open Stitch Night
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:
- 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.
Introduction to Crewelwork with Lauren Yeager
Introduction to Chainmail with Emilia Zinger
Introduction to Cross-Stitch with Stephanie Rohr
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
Needlework Finishing & Mounting with Lauren Yeager