Location: Hand & Lock School for Embroidery & Creative Arts, 86 Margaret Street, Fitzrovia, London, W1W 8TE
Duration: 2 Day Workshop (10am - 4:30pm each day) 

Over the two days Victoria will guide you through the process of needlepainting, also known as silk shading or thread painting. You will learn how stitch direction and colour blending can help to create beautiful life like embroideries that can be turned into anything from jewellery to hanging pendants, or even framed as heirloom art pieces.

Using fine silk floss you will start stitching the wild rose, creating a beautiful miniature embroidery. As silk shading is such a slow process you will not finish the embroidery over the weekend, however, you will leave with the skills and knowledge to continue your needlepainting journey at home.

During the course you will also be shown how to stretch your embroidery over a wooden insert which can then be backed in felt or mounted in a handcrafted wooden bezel created especially for the Hand and Lock course. After exploring both silk shading embroidery and different finishing techniques you may be inspired to create your own embroideries at home that can be turned into stunning pieces of jewellery or art.

Important Course Information

- Please check your email address is correct before ordering.

- Read all of the course description information above and the “How the Course Works” information below before booking.

- All courses are non-refundable. If you cannot attend, please let us know as soon as possible and we will try to move you to another course.

If you have any questions, please check our FAQs page here.

Taught Techniques 

• Silk shading using silk floss

• Split stitch

• Stem stitch

• French knots

• Stitch direction

• Blending shades

• Mounting and backing your embroidery

What You’ll Need to Provide 

- All materials and tools will be provided - Course kit materials may vary slightly from those shown in sample imagery, however all alternatives are chosen to closely reflect the intended techniques and final results.  

- If you wish you are welcome to bring your own mug for refreshments and your own embroidery kit, though this is completely optional and not required.

About Your Tutor

Victoria Matthewson is a self-taught hand embroidery artist specialising in fine silk shading embroidery.

She won ‘Needlecrafter of the Year 2018’ at the Knitting and Stitching Show with her seven-spot ladybird and has since developed her needlepainting skills further, gaining a reputation for detailed, lifelike embroideries of native invertebrates and wild flowers.

Victoria works from her small garden studio in South Wales, where she lives with her husband, two children and Mabel the Pugapoo. Her work is inspired by the nature that surrounds her. She has a particular interest in combining embroidery with education and conservation, which led to the publication of her book, Needlepainted Plants and Pollinators: an insect lover’s guide to silk shading embroidery, in November 2021. The book highlights the decline of pollinators beyond honeybees and encourages a respect for these unsung heroes through the gentle focus that embroidery brings.

Since publishing her book, Victoria has been focused on sharing her knowledge through workshops and embroidery kits, helping others develop their skills and explore the natural world through silk shading embroidery.