Richard McVetis – ZOOM Workshop – Textures of Time: The Art of Hand Embroidery
This intimate online workshop offers a deep dive into the world of traditional hand embroidery, designed to inspire both beginners and seasoned stitchers alike. Together, we’ll explore the rich history and contemporary relevance of embroidery techniques, focusing on how and why we use them. Participants will be guided through the meditative rhythms of hand stitching, discovering embroidery as a versatile tool for drawing, mark-making, and self-expression. The workshop creates a calm, focused, and mindful space that encourages both experimentation and reflection.
Over the course of five hours (including a break), you’ll have ample time to experiment with textures and patterns—working with different threads, adjusting stitch scale and spacing, and combining stitches to create unique, expressive marks. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to expand your skills, you’ll learn how even the simplest stitches can yield stunning results. I will provide hands-on demonstrations and practical guidance throughout, ensuring you feel confident and inspired as you create.
Beyond technique, this workshop is also an opportunity to connect and gain insight into my artistic practice. I’ll share stories, influences, and inspirations behind my work, offering a deeper understanding of embroidery’s creative possibilities. You’ll leave with new skills, fresh ideas, and perhaps a renewed appreciation for the quiet beauty of handmade work.
Materials List
- Fabric to stitch on – try to avoid anything too tightly woven. Linen works well, as does cotton or wool flannel (I use different weights of wool). It’s very much up to each person and what you’d like to stitch on.
- Threads – Perle cotton (in various thicknesses) and stranded cotton are great places to start, though really any thread will work (my favourite is a black machine cotton)
- Embroidery needles
- Embroidery hoop
- Small scissors
- Pencil and paper for taking notes
About the Tutor
Richard McVetis studied at Manchester School of Art before studying at the Royal College of Art, where he now teaches. McVetis has been shortlisted for several distinguished prizes, including the Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize, UK, 2023; the Jerwood Drawing Prize, UK, 2011 and 2017, and the international Loewe Craft Prize, 2018. In addition, McVetis has shown work nationally and internationally at several exhibitions, including Threads at Arnolfini, UK, 2023; The British Textile Biennial, UK, 2021; RENEW at Kettles Yard, UK, 2019; Loewe Craft Prize, Design Museum, London, UK, 2018; ‘Form + Motion’ – a major exhibition with the British Council, South Korea, 2017. In 2022 his solo show was at the Craft Study Centre, Farnham.
Booking Terms and Conditions:
The fee is non-refundable if you cancel (unless another person can take your place.)
We occasionally have a waiting list for a workshop and if that is the case your place would be offered to the next person on the list. If there isn’t a waiting list then you might know someone who could take your place.
With this in mind, please let Bookings know as soon as possible if you are unable to attend.
Bookings queries please email bookings@texgroup.org.uk