Textiles: embroidery and embellishment
Time: 10:30 - 16:30
Location: Keeley Street
- Course Code: VX341
- Dates: 22/06/25 - 13/07/25
- Time: 10:30 - 16:30
- Taught: Sun, Daytime
- Duration: 4 sessions (over 4 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Renata Minoldo
Course Code: VX341
Duration: 4 sessions (over 4 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
Learn a variety of embroidery and embellishment techniques. Choose and explore a concept
or idea through a series of demonstrations, hands on sampling and designing sessions.
Look at key artists and designers working these techniques.
You will be actively experimenting with embroidery and embellishment techniques using
hand and machine methods, exploring fabrics, beads, sequins and threads.
This course is suitable for people who are new to embroidery and those who have some
previous experience, textile artists, makers or designers who wish to embark on or enhance
their portfolio and design thoughtful concept driven embellished and embroidered textiles.
What will we cover?
- Hand embroidery and hand pleating techniques
- Punch needle techniques
- Machine embroidery
- Machine embellishment
- Freehand bead weaving
- Machine pleating
- Research design
- How to use inspiration from practising artists and designers
- Working on your sketchbook
- Creating moodboards and samples.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Produce a body of embroidered and embellished work via research, development and design using a variety of hand and machine techniques- Keep a visual record via sketchbooks and mood boards.
- Design and create a variety of samples demonstrating a focused synthesis of all practical activities that reflects a chosen subject, object or concept- Share individual creative practice and assess your work with constructive criticism.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for beginners who have an interest in stitched textiles as well as
existing practitioners who wish to build upon their portfolio and enhance their current skills.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and for health and safety information and will be invited to take
part in group discussions.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
ithin each session you will be set practical exercises, which are supported by
demonstrations, discussions, and handouts.
You will be set optional weekly outside tasks that will help you in preparation for the following session.
Tutorials and feedback will take place individually, with small groups and with the group as a whole.
Within each session you will be set practical exercises, which are supported by
demonstrations, discussions, and handouts.
You will be set optional weekly outside tasks that will help you in preparation for the following session.
Tutorials and feedback will take place individually, with small groups and with the group as a whole.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Access to basic materials and resources are available as part of the course.
Students should bring a sketchbook to each session.
It is advised that students bring along a mobile device that has a camera function or a digital camera for recording and reflecting on their own work processes. Threads, fabrics, and embellishment materials will be provided as the course progresses.
Students are welcome to bring any particular materials they would like to work with. This can be discussed in class with the tutor.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Following on from this course, you can go on to study a range of textile courses in design print and stitch, throughout the year. Please browse the website for upcoming courses.
General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Friday from 10:30 – 12:00 then 15:00 – 17:00.
Renata Minoldo is an artist and educator exploring the physical and emotional body through textiles, sculpture and experiences with people. She has an academic training in Fashion and Visual Arts and hands on experience in the Fashion Industry working in London and New York. She is interested in alternative ways to approaching art education, aiming to stimulate an intuitive learning and focusing on the individual processes and needs. She works with a wide variety of people, from children in galleries and primary schools to teenagers and older adults in community centres, charities and public spaces. Her work has been awarded with residencies internationally. https://www.renataminoldo.com/
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.