Traditional Stitches:
A Personal Sampler
(A Live Kit-Based Class)

Now in its 12th year…

…this beloved online class has welcomed stitchers from all over the world! Originally created as a primer for many of the popular ‘freestyle’ (non-counted) stitches that have been used in homes for centuries, it’s the perfect foundation for anyone who wants to build their skills.

The Traditional Stitch Sampler is also a celebration of personal style. You’ll choose your own colour palette and be encouraged to experiment with the set stitches to make them uniquely yours. Once the foundation is complete, the focus shifts to designing the centre panel—an open canvas for your imagination. Whether you’re brimming with ideas or feeling a little nervous about designing, you’ll have plenty of support, suggestions, and class time to try things out.

If you’re new to traditional hand embroidery, or if you’re eager to design something personal and meaningful, this course is a joyful and inspiring place to start.

aimed at:

BEGINNERS

This course is ideal for complete beginners to hand embroidery, as well as those who’ve only stitched from cross-stitch kits, and want to explore a wide variety of traditional stitches—and discover how to use them in creative, inspiring ways.

EXPERIENCED STITCHERS

This course is perfect for experienced stitchers who want to refresh their skills, stretch their creativity, and gain the confidence to design their own projects.

Course Details…

course at-a-glance:

PART ONE
(OCTOBER-DECEMBER)

Linear, Looped, Detached &
Crossed Stitches

PART TWO
(JANUARY-APRIL)

Couching, Satin Stitch variations, Thread Painting, Composite Stitches, Design Guidance

PART THREE
(APRIL-JULY)

Depicting different subjects in stitch, 1:1 guidance on stitching central bespoke section, project mounting techniques

dates/times:

ALTERNATE THURSDAY EVENINGS
7.00-9.30PM (UK)

October 2, 16
November 6, 20
December 4, 18
Janauary (2026) 8, 22
February 5, 19
March 5, 19
April 2, 16
May 7, 21
June 4, 18
July 2, 16

Book Now Closed

requirements:

STANDARD EQUIPMENT

Embroidery Scissors,, Embroidery Practice Hoop, Large Square Frame, Magnifier (optional), Thimbles (optional), Drawing Paper, Regular 2B and Coloured Pencils

SPECIFIC MATERIALS

A full kit can be purchased during enrolment, or a complete materials list is available as a digital download.

Students are saying…

Excellent Artist and Teacher

Kelley’s classes are the best. I’ve taken two classes from her over two years. Her demonstrations are clear and easy to follow. She has perfected her on-line teaching style. I’ve found her to be kind and patient and she frequently throws in a little example or historic fact to keep things interesting. My fellow students have ranged from beginners to advanced stitchers and I believe everyone has been happy with the instructions we’ve received.
Sherry S
Wonderful Goldwork

I took Kelleys Goldwork sampler course which covered all aspects of Goldwork and a few extras such as how to mount your work. A well designed course, very well delivered and a lot of fun. It has definitely improved my Goldwork skills! Kelley is enthusiastic and very helpful.
Barbara
What a Brilliant Experience!

I've just finished the class portion of Kelley's Goldwork Sampler and I'm really sad it's over. I have done a number of 2 day classes in this technique over the last few years, but I found working in this manner (Zoom classes at fortnightly intervals over nearly a year, with video clips of the techniques available through the portal) meant that if you found there was something that didn't make sense later, you could check back, or more importantly, ask a question at the next lesson. I've picked up on a lot of tiny things that have led to some very satisfying improvements in the quality of my work, learned some really useful techniques, and got links to sources of otherwise hard to find equipment. (Especially useful as I'm located down under in New Zealand.) Thank you Kelly for a wonderful experience - I had a blast!
Betty S