Friday & Saturday 17th and 18th September 2025 (10am-4pm, both days)
We invite you to learn Crewel work, a rich historic embroidery and
enjoy a little ‘Me’ time with like minded people. This mixed ability traditional embroidery class is suitable for both beginners and those with previous embroidery experience who wish to up their skills and confidence. Everyone will work at their own pace, building on their stitch bank knowledge, technique and confidence.
If this is your first Crewel work workshop with Jacqueline you’ll choose one of several Jacobean design options suitable to focus on the 5 essential crewel work stitches, plus a couple of bonus stitches should you so wish. For those returner embroiderers you’ll be able to choose from a range of designs suitable to build on your technique and stitch knowledge.
Crewel work (or simply Crewel) is an ancient embroidery dating back to the 11th century: the Bayeux Tapestry is one of the earliest surviving examples. Since then, Crewel work has continued to flourish but was refined and perfected during the reign of James 1st. This was known as the Jacobean period. Designs continue to evolve but the exotic, stylized leaves, flowers, trees, birds, animals and insects of that time still influence the craft today and will be the focus of Jacqueline’s workshop.
Jacqueline, one of our specialist tutors, was first taught Crewel work as a child by her grandmother and more recently with the Royal School of Needlework.
Some of the information, skills and techniques Jacqueline will teach are:
Crewel work materials and where to source them
Prepping your hoop and setting your linen for crewel work embroidery
Transferring your design using the prick and pounce method
Stitches for outlining
Stitches for filling
Stitches for texture
Accent stitches
Intermediate and Advanced stitchers will work at their own pace continuing to improve on technique and increase their skills and stitch knowledge.
The workshop includes everything you need with the kit provided valued at £40.00. This comprises:
100% linen twill
Appleton’s crewel wools in various colourways
Embroidery needles, chenille & tapestry
Embroidery ring
Binding tape
All resources you need are provided either by Jacqueline or in the kit, however you may also wish to bring along:
Personal embroidery kit (scissors etc..)
20cm/8” hands free embroidery frame or a seat frame (if you have one)
Embroiderers magnifier (if you use one)
Reading glasses (if you use them)
NB: For returning embroiderers you will have an opportunity to choose three different Appleton wools and colour ways.
Light refreshments are available throughout the day, with a break for lunch to explore the lovely cafés of Ilkley and eat out or bring something back to the workshop.
If you would like recommendations for overnight stays or restaurants, email us on
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Each participant also receives a 10% off voucher to put towards a future class in Ilkley or York.
Access notice: there are two steps up into our building at 3 Church Street, Ilkley LS29 9DR. We sincerely apologise if this prevents anyone from attending our workshops.
Terms and Conditions apply - see our website for details.
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