About the course
What will I make?
A beautiful, detailed, embroidered beetle like those shown below. I will demonstrate each step with clear close up videos, explaining every technique along the way.
You can customise the beetle in multiple ways to make it your own unique creation.
What will I learn?
Making a beetle involves many techniques and processes, including:
- hand sewing and stuffing a felt form
- embroidery in a hoop
- embroidery 'in hand' on felt
- working with wire, including wrapping wire with thread
- stumpwork techniques
- needlelace
If some of these techniques sound new or a bit intimidating, relax. I demonstrate and explain each of them in detail. So you can follow along as if you were sitting with me as I stitch. Even better, you can pause, rewind, annotate and replay any portions of the video that you want to review and practice.
It's a great way to learn new techniques, or apply techniques you already know in a new and exciting way.
How long will it take me?
That depends upon how quickly you work, and how many of the techniques are new to you.
To give some guidance:
- I have made dozens of these beetles, yet it still takes me about five hours to make one, once I have all my materials and tools set up and ready. Making a beetle will reward you with many hours of stitching.
- There are eight lessons covering all parts of the beetle, with more than 8 hours of instructional videos and supporting downloadable PDFs.
- Once you pay for access to the course materials, there is no rush: you can take as long as you like. There is no time limit on access.
What is being provided?
Once you enroll, you will have access to:
- more than eight hours of detailed video instruction, demonstration and discussion
- 10 downloadable PDFs with printable templates, instructions, inspiration and online resources
- dozens of detailed photo examples to guide your choices of colour, stitch and embellishments
- question and comment facilities throughout the course to seek advice and help from myself and/or connect with fellow students
Access does not expire, you can take your own time and work at your own pace.
What supplies will I need?
The list below describes what I use, but I encourage you to use what you have on hand. I show alternative tools and materials throughout the course.
Materials required
- Fabric for embroidery (just enough to fit in your favourite embroidery hoop, 20 x 20 cm would be heaps)
- A small amount of fabric for backing, like a quilting cotton (15 x 15cm would be more than enough)
- Embroidery threads
- Felt in one or two colours (woollen felt is best, but acrylic is fine) 15 x 15 cm
- Florist wire (24 gauge is what I use, 22 gauge is stronger but harder to bend)
- Light card (180 - 250 gsm is a good weight)
- Stuffing (I use wool, but whatever stuffing you prefer)
- Sewing thread
Tools required
- Scissors (you will be cutting fabric, card and thread)
- Needles
- regular embroidery needles
- a milliners or straw needle is good to have
- a blunt needle like a cross stitch or tapestry needle is also handy
- Embroidery hoop or frame
- An awl or large, sharp needle
- Pliers and wire cutters
- Pencil
- Ruler
- Clips or pins
Optionally also
- Tweezers
- Beads, sequins, ribbons (optional embellishments)
- PVA glue + small old paint brush or cotton bud to apply glue
- Crochet thread (size 10 or 20) or coton a broder (size 16 or 25)
- A small piece of sheer fabric such as organza
- A small piece of calico or other sturdy cotton fabric (15 x 30cm or so)
I have a small number of kits available that supply all of the materials above, plus a selection of needles. These are listed here: https://www.pardalotemakes.com/shop/p/kit-for-beetle-workshop