Upstairs in the Maria Edgeworth Centre, Edgeworthstown, Co. Longford, N39 E3C8
2-3 hours
Don’t throw it away, stitch something onto it instead. Give your clothes a new lease of life with the creative art of embroidery.
In this relaxed, beginner-friendly workshop, you’ll learn how simple embroidery techniques can be used to personalise clothing, cover small holes or worn areas, disguise stains, and transform everyday garments into unique pieces that tell a story.
Bring along an item of clothing or fabric you’d like to refresh, or choose from a small selection of pre-loved pieces sourced from the local charity shop. Whether you’re repairing, decorating, or simply experimenting, you’ll leave with new skills and inspiration for extending the life of your clothes.
No previous embroidery experience is needed, just bring your creativity and a willingness to give old favourites a second chance.
If you’d like to embroider directly onto your own clothing, cotton and other sturdy, closely woven fabrics work best. Suitable items include:
For your first project, we recommend avoiding very thin, stretchy, or delicate fabrics, as these can be more challenging to embroider.
Have a garment with a small hole, stain, worn patch, or simply in need of a little extra personality? Bring it along. Imperfections are not only welcome, they’re the perfect starting point.
Not quite ready to stitch directly onto your favourite clothes? No problem. Practice fabric will be provided, giving you the chance to experiment with stitches, designs, and ideas before working on your chosen piece.
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If you’d like to finish your piece at home but don’t have a hoop, you can pick one up on the day for an additional €3.
Aria Thomas
“I’ve loved cross stitch since my teens and fell into the wider world of embroidery during lockdown, and what keeps me interested is not just learning new techniques, but the way embroidery has always brought people together to chat, share stories, and make things by hand. While most of what I do is modern embroidery, I also enjoy learning a little about the history behind crafts and clothing, especially how these skills have been passed from person to person over time.”
This event is kindly supported by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport under their After Hours at the Museum scheme.