Build Your Skills and Unlock New Creative Possibilities
At the 2026 Lady Anne’s Online Needlework Festival, we invite you to explore a range of technique-focused classes designed to help you expand your embroidery skills and gain the confidence to tackle more complex designs. Whether you’re a beginner eager to try something new or looking to refine your techniques, these one-day workshops offer hands-on instruction from world-class tutors.
Trellis Stitch with Deborah Wilding
Class Dates: 20 February at 4pm UK time and 24 February at 10am UK time.
Join Deborah Wilding for a one-day beginner class focused on trellis stitch, also known as laid and couched. This classic crewel technique is perfect for creating textured backgrounds and decorative patterns. Deborah will guide you step by step, from preparing your materials to laying threads and securing them in intricate patterns.
You will practice creating beautiful fills and elegant decorative effects, gaining the skills to incorporate trellis stitch into your future crewel designs with confidence. By the end of the class, you will have a stitched sample and a strong foundation to continue exploring this versatile technique.
Elizabethan Braid Stitch with Deborah Wilding
Class Dates: 16 February at 4pm UK time and 26 February at 10am UK time.
Deborah also teaches the Elizabethan braid stitch, a cornerstone of metal thread embroidery. In this beginner-friendly workshop, you will learn four different methods for creating this decorative, textured stitch.
Through clear demonstrations and guided practice, you will discover how to handle metal threads, form crisp braids, and add texture and historical flair to your embroidery. By the end of the session, you will have a sampler showcasing all four techniques and the confidence to apply braid stitch to your own projects.
Silkwork for Beginners with Kate Barlow
Class Dates: 17 February at 4pm UK time
New to silk embroidery? This playful workshop is your opportunity to explore silk shading techniques without committing to a full design. Kate Barlow will introduce you to a range of DeVere silk threads and guide you through handling and stitching with silk.
You will experiment with simple and more complex shapes, using multiple colours to create depth and dimension. Each student receives a kit with extra colours, allowing you to continue exploring combinations long after the class ends. By the close of the day, you will have a beautiful sample and the confidence to continue experimenting with silkwork at home.
Why Join These Technique Classes?
- Build confidence and skill in foundational embroidery techniques
- Gain practical, hands-on experience with expert tutors
- Prepare yourself to tackle more complex crewel, silk, and metal thread projects
- Enjoy a friendly, supportive, and inspiring learning environment
Whether you are new to embroidery or seeking to expand your repertoire, these workshops at Lady Anne’s Online Needlework Festival are the perfect opportunity to grow your skills, connect with historic techniques, and discover new creative possibilities.
