Drawing with Thread - Janome HQ

Drawing with Thread

16 - 17 March 2027

About the workshop

Free machine embroidery is often described as "drawing with thread" – using a sewing machine as a creative drawing tool rather than simply for sewing.

During this inspiring two-day masterclass, you'll discover how stitch can become a language of line, texture and expression. Working from observational drawing and simple mark-making exercises, you'll learn how to translate your ideas into expressive stitched artwork while developing confidence with free-motion machine embroidery.

Whether you're an experienced textile artist, embroiderer, illustrator or complete beginner, the workshop is designed to encourage experimentation in a relaxed and supportive environment. With demonstrations, individual guidance and plenty of time to explore, you'll develop both technical skills and your own creative voice.

Over the two days you will:

• Learn to set up and control a sewing machine for free-motion embroidery.

• Explore drawing with stitch to create expressive lines, textures and layered surfaces.

• Develop techniques inspired by Dionne's professional artistic practice.

• Transform sketches and observations into original textile artwork.

• Create a collection of experimental samples before developing a finished stitched piece.

What's included

• Two full days of expert tuition.

• Use of sewing machines and specialist equipment.

• Threads and workshop materials.

• Tea and coffee throughout the day.

• A small-group learning environment with plenty of individual support.

  
  

Whether you're looking to expand your artistic practice, learn a new technique or simply spend two inspiring days immersed in creativity, this workshop will leave you with fresh ideas, new skills and the confidence to continue your own stitched journey.

Venue

Janome UK HQ, Stockport

Cost

€220 per person

To reserve your place, a full payment of €220 is required at the time of booking. An invoice will be issued to confirm your reservation.

About Dionne Swift

Dionne Swift is a contemporary textile artist and educator whose work explores landscape, walking, memory and our connection with place.

A graduate of Goldsmiths, University of London, with an MA in Textiles, Dionne has over thirty-five years' teaching experience and regularly leads workshops and masterclasses internationally.

Known for her warm, encouraging teaching style, she helps participants build both technical skills and creative confidence, regardless of previous experience.

This masterclass offers a rare opportunity to learn free machine embroidery in Malta while discovering the expressive possibilities of drawing with thread.

DRAWING WITH THREAD – TWO DAY WORKSHOP

TUTOR – Dionne Swift

Tuesday 16th & Wednesday 17th March 2027 – 10am to 4pm

Cost – £200 per person

LOCATION – Janome UK HQ, Unit 1 Southside, Bredbury, Stockport, SK6 2SP

Booking is direct with Dionne only:

www.dionneswift.co.uk

• Two days of creative exploration

• All materials & sewing machines provided

• Suitable for all levels

• Limited to 10 places

• Lunch and refreshments included

Join me at Janome UK HQ for two days of Drawing with Thread, exploring free machine embroidery as a way of drawing and painting with your sewing machine.

Drawing is at the heart of my own textile practice and, throughout the workshop, we’ll explore how simple marks, lines and gestures can be translated into stitch.

Working from your own drawings and imagery, you’ll experiment with the sewing machine as a drawing tool, exploring line, texture, density, layering and colour. We’ll look at how different marks can be created and how these can be developed to build a more expressive stitched surface.

The emphasis is on exploration and discovery rather than producing a perfect finished piece. You’ll create a series of experimental samples, analysing and developing your marks as you work, before using your discoveries to create your own individual thread drawing.

Over the two days there will be demonstrations, guided exercises and plenty of time for experimentation, with individual tuition and encouragement throughout.

You’ll leave with a collection of samples, your own original thread drawing and lots of ideas and techniques to continue exploring at home.

CONTACT

E-mail –  dionneswift@me.com

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Two full days of expert tuition with Dionne Swift

• Sewing machine provided

• All fabrics and materials for experimentation

• Threads and embroidery supplies

• Specialist sewing equipment and tools

• Drawing and mark-making exercises

• Demonstrations and individual guidance

• A series of experimental stitched samples

• Your own original thread drawing

• Lunch and refreshments on both days