Upcycling Using Embroidering Techniques

Upcycling clothing, especially shirts, has become a popular approach for embellishing, covering flaws, and personalizing clothing inexpensively.  During this 3-week class, stitchers will create their own embellished shirt, while learning the following techniques:

• how to cover holes and stains using needle-weaving
• how to do cross stitch motifs with Waste Canvas
• how to create designs by means of blanket stitch applique.  

Other embroidery techniques suitable for upcycling will be discussed.  

Students should come to class with:

• Scissors appropriate for cutting both fabric and paper
• Embroidery hoop (4-7 inches in diameter)
• Glasses, magnifiers and/or battery-operated personalized lighting you normally used when stitching (optional)

A variety of “thrifted” shirts will be available to choose from in class.

Students who desire a specific size, color or style, are encouraged to bring their own shirt to class. When selecting your shirt, please consider the following:

• Look for a 100% Cotton (or 60% cotton/40% polyester) Oxford style shirt
• Please wash and dry the shirt before class
• Avoid tightly woven cotton blends and shirts with wrinkle control and heavy denim jackets since these will be more difficult to stitch.
• Avoid shirts that are labeled as “stretch” or include Lycra
• In the spirit of “upcycling”, consider thrifting a shirt, or using something from your closet that may have holes or stains

Students should have basic needle skills.  

This class is suitable for stitchers 13 years of age and older. Younger students are welcome to register with an adult caregiver who is also registered.