Freemotion Machine Embroidery: Metallic Treasures

This course is available for enrolment.

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Course code: T79E

Freemotion machine embroidery is a versatile textile art technique used in quilting, card-making, appliqué, art journaling, and other creative fabric crafts.

when: From 06 Dec 2025
Sat 10:00-16:00 One day
Tutor: Debby Bird

where

Stoke Lodge

Stoke Lodge Centre, Shirehampton Road
Stoke Bishop
Bristol
BS9 1BN

fees

full fee for this course £60.00, concession fee £42.00

who

Bristol Adult Learning

stokelodge@bristol.gov.uk

0117 903 8844

Description

An inspiring introduction or refresher in freemotion machine embroidery—often called “drawing with thread”—offering a fun, accessible way into this distinctive textile art form.

What can students expect?

Join us for a creative day of textile art with our experienced tutor. You will learn to “draw” with your sewing machine using free-motion embroidery, starting with a refresher to build confidence. You will explore couching with ribbons and yarns, then move on to foiling and embossing metallic shapes. You will use foil transfer and metal embossing techniques, with elements stitched by hand or machine. By the end, you will have a collection of small decorative textile pieces ready to display. This workshop also accommodates standard (non-freemotion) machine use.

Late starters allowed?

No.

Previous experience required?

No. This workshop is aimed at complete beginners or those looking to extend their sewing skills in a new way.

What is the progression route?

Learners can enrol on other Saturday freemotion machine embroidery workshops or weekly creative stitch courses with Debby. Stoke Lodge also offers a range of sewing courses.

Are there any extra costs?

Yes. Specialist materials will be provided by the tutor. A materials fee of approximately £5 (based on usage) will be charged—please bring cash.

Work set between sessions?

No, but you may wish to join future workshops and bring completed work for feedback and idea development.

What should students bring?

<ul>
<li>Sewing machine and accessories (i.e. foot pedal, spare needles, tools, instruction manual, etc.). Please ensure it is in good working order</li>
<li>Threads (white, black, green, red) and pre-wound bobbins</li>
<li>Freemotion foot (also known as darning or embroidery foot). It does not usually come as standard so you may need to order one for your make of machine</li>
<li>Plain cotton fabric e.g. old sheet. Dark colours look good with foils</li>
<li>Scissors</li>
<li>25cm iron on vilene bondaweb (can be purchased from tutor)</li>
<li>50cm firm interfacing (can be purchased from tutor)</li>
<li>Scraps of coloured of ribbon and knitting wool (tutor can provide some too)</li>
<li>Heavy aluminium foil e.g. a takeaway container, washed out tomato puree tube (beware sharp edges). The tutor will bring similar foils available for purchase</li>
<li>Dark tulle net or organza (tutor will provide)</li>
<li>Embroidery hoop 6”- 8” if you have one, or tutor can provide</li>
<li>Notebook, ball point pen and pencil</li>
<li>Reading glasses if worn</li>
<li>Lunch</li>
</ul>

Teaching method/style?

Practical demonstrations and guidance.

Equipment Required

See list above. In addition, please bring range of threads, ribbons, beads, bits and bobs that you have always wanted to find a use for!

Refunds and cancellations

Course Cancellations by Us

<ul>
<li>If we cancel your course, your fees will be refunded in full.</li>
<li>We cannot reimburse the cost of any materials you may have purchased. </li>
</ul>

Cancellations by You

<ul>
<li>If you cancel 7 days or more before the course start date: Refund issued minus a 20% administration fee.</li>
<li>If you cancel less than 7 days before the start date or after the course has started: No refund will be issued. </li>
</ul>

Transfers

<ul>
<li>Transfers must be requested at least 7 days before the course start date.</li>
<li>A 10% transfer fee applies.</li>
<li>Transfers due to our cancellation of your original course are free of charge. </li>
</ul>

Illness and Absence

<ul>
<li>No refunds are available for non-attendance due to sickness or ill health.</li>
</ul>

How Refunds Are Issued

<ul>
<li>Refunds are returned via the original payment method:</li>
<li>Booked online or by phone - Refund to the card used.</li>
<li>Paid in person at Stoke Lodge - Please bring your payment card to the office. </li>
</ul>

Online Course Access

<ul>
<li>Learners are responsible for ensuring they have suitable internet access and equipment before the course begins.</li>
<li>No refunds will be issued due to technical issues with a learner’s own internet or computer.</li>
</ul>