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: Secret Alphabet Embroidery with Ciara LeRoy (Saturday, December 5th)
For one day only (Saturday, December 5th), embroidery artist Ciara LeRoy of Pretty Strange Design will be in Chicago teaching her famous ghost letters embroidery technique in a 3-hour workshop. In order to accommodate as many folks as possible, we are running two sessions of the workshop and pricing it on a sliding scale. Ciara will also be available to sign copies of her new book, Lettered in Thread. You’re not going to want to miss this one!
Morning workshop: 10am–1pm on Saturday, December 5th
Afternoon workshop: 2–5pm on Saturday, December 5th
Regularly recurring classes:
 | Get Started with Embroidery, taught by Jean Ogilvie Sunday, November 8th from 10am–1pm—SOLD OUT |
 | Embroidery Foundations, taught by Lauren Yeager Sunday, December 13th from 10am–3:30pm Sunday, February 7th from 10am–3:30pm |
 | Sashiko 101, taught by Sunyoung Seo—SOLD OUT Saturday, October 24th from 10am–2pm |
 | Intro to Tambour Embroidery, taught by Lauren Yeager Monday, December 7th AND Tuesday, December 8th, from 10am–4pm Saturday, January 23rd AND Sunday, January 24th, from 10am–4pm—SOLD OUT Monday, February 22nd AND Tuesday, February 23rd, from 10am–4pm |
 | Visible Mending, taught by Lucy Leith Saturday, November 21st from 10am–1pm |
 | Stitch Builders, taught by Lauren Yeager Looped Stitches: Sunday, November 15th from 10am–3:30pm |
Specialty classes:
Introduction to Chainmail with Emilia Zinger
Thursday, December 3rd, from 1–5pm
Saturday, February 6th, from 1–5pm
Learn 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 (that you can take home!) including jump rings, pliers, and a jewelry clasp.
Needlework Finishing & Mounting with Lauren Yeager
Sunday, December 6th from 10am–4pm
Stuck on what to do with your embroidery once it’s finished? Want to get it ready for display or gifting but don’t know how? In this class, learn how to prepare a completed embroidery for archival mounting from start to finish.
You can learn to do either a hard mount (for framing) or a soft mount (for objects like pillows) with cording.
Registration includes all needed materials. All experience levels welcome.
All You Can Stitch Shrimp with Lauren Yeager
Tuesday, December 15th from 5–8pm
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.
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.
Introduction to Swiss Darning with Lucy Leith
Saturday, January 16th, 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.
Registration includes all needed supplies. It’s helpful but not necessary for students to have some basic knowledge of /experience with sewing or knitting.
Reverse Appliqué for upcycling and mending, with AJ Young
Saturday, January 30th, from 1–4pm
Cover stains, patch holes, and add a little pizazz to your garments with reverse applique! This workshop will cover the basics of reverse applique including fabric selection, design, and basic stitches to upcycle, mend, or embellish clothing, bags, and more. Participants may bring a garment to mend or use scrap fabric to create a reverse applique patch. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned stitcher, this workshop will help you personalize and extend the life of your favorite garments.
Registration includes all needed supplies. Experience stitching with a needle and thread is helpful but not required.
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