Embroidering Texture & Dimension by Hand
Sue Spargo
Class Preview
1:03
- In-depth Instruction; over 155 mins
- On-demand video access anytime
- Bonus downloadable PDF resources
- Access to class Q&A
Foundation Layers
18:37
Meet your instructor, acclaimed quilting artist Sue Spargo, whose colorful and energetic folk quilts will inspire you to embroider in a whole new way! Kick off the class with an exploration of fabric color and texture pairings before learning how to layer your appliqué shapes to create a wonderful base for your embroidered stitches.
Smooth Edging Stitches
17:25
Familiarize yourself with a variety of needles and threads, including Sue's insider tips on which ones will help you the most for specific stitch types. Then embark on the Pekinese and couching stitches, which are smooth outline edging stitches with dozens of variation possibilities. You'll love the woven and velvety looks of these gorgeous options.
Decorative Edging Stitches
24:30
Discover some of Sue's favorite decorative edging stitches, including basic and more complicated variations of the fly stitch, crested chain and rosette chain. You'll learn how to choose a direction, thread your needle and carefully stitch as you follow the outline of Sue's butterfly designs.
Dimensional Stitches
23:14
Explore coils, knots, cast-on stitches and more with Sue's close-up instruction to help you along the way. You'll love the versatility and softness of bullion knots and the chunky playfulness of the drizzle stitch. When you're ready for additional challenges, cast on stitches that add dimension and knitted textures to your work.
Woven Stitches
29:55
Transition from knitted textures to woven ones with the help of Sue's methodical demonstrations. You'll learn whipped woven circles, woven picot, a buttonhole filler stitch and a trellis stitch, which make lovely embellishments for the butterfly wings of your sampler (or any other design of your choosing).
Beaded Stitches
24:00
You've tried your hand at knitting and weaving; now it's time to add another layer of texture with beaded stitches! Sue shows you how to switch to a heavier thread to create successful beaded creations, including an elegant French knot, cheerful closed fly and threaded backstitches, a chunky take on the drizzle stitch and more.
Finishing Touches
17:14
Complete the class with some of Sue's finishing touches, including demonstrations of a wandering Palestrina knot, friendly bursts of pompom textures using Turkey work, and some surprising bindings that incorporate beads, buttons and more. You'll finish the class with hundreds of new combinations to try and a darling sampler to practice on, with Sue's expert advice to bolster your confidence as you go.
Join embroidery expert Sue Spargo and layer, stitch and embellish your way to textural works of art! Select complimentary fabric, ribbon, and trim to create lovely, layered appliqués that serve as a base for your embroidery. Discover an array of edging stitches for vibrant, velvety texture, and dive into decorative stitches and their intricate variations. Then, master dimensional wrapped stitches with Sue’s expert tips. Enhance your embroidery with “wow-factor” woven stitches and bring exquisite energy to your stitching with beautiful beading techniques. Practice these dazzling designs on Sue’s exclusive butterfly sampler or add them to your own creative stitching!
Sue Spargo
Teacher and author Sue Spargo is celebrated for her exuberant embroidery, inspired by the exuberance of traditional African designs. She has authored several books, including Creative Stitching, and her work has been exhibited in the La Conner (Washington) Quilt and Textile Museum. Sue regularly teaches two quilting circles in her hometown and pursues her passion for embroidery by leading embellishment and design workshops around the world and here on Craftsy!
Bonus materials available after purchase