Embroidery Workshop
About The Embroidery Workshop
Two types of embroidery will be taught in the workshop, Tapestry stitch and Traditional Icelandic cross-stitching. Participants choose which one they want to learn.
Tapestry stitch is an ancient embroidery technique. The stitching follows patterns drawn onto the backing. Halls, churches and houses were decorated with tapestries in the Middle Ages, and altar cloths from the period using tapestry stitch have survived. Tapestry stitching is done in three stages, starting with the outlines of the picture. Then the threads are laid with straight or flat stitches, and then these are crossed at certain intervals and fastened down with small stitches. Almost all the thread is on the front of the foundation fabric.
Traditional Icelandic cross-stitching was commonly used on bedspreads. It was done using a gridded pattern. Normally the vertical interval of the stitch was two threads of the foundation fabric, crossing four threads forwards and two in reverse. The rows are sewn horizontally, each one being completed in a single round instead of reaching the end and then going all the way back as is done in modern cross-stitching. It is sometimes called fléttusaumur (plait stitch).
Embroidery can be a rewarding and relaxing activity; our foremothers knew this too. Often they had no pattern or picture of what they wanted to produce, but remembered the pattern "more or less". Decorating their clothes with motifs and patterns was great fun and they put a lot of effort into it. In this way the craft of embroidery lived through the centuries.
Some styles and techniques flourished better than others in Iceland, partly because it was important to economize on colored wool or else because the patterns were attractive. Some of them were relatively simple and all embroiderers could manage them.
Availability
Tuesdays from 9:00 am. until 1:00 pm
Other days and time available, please contact to arrange
Price
ISK 45,000 per person
Skill level
The workshop is designed for all levels, beginner to advanced
Included
Materials for a trial piece
Soup for lunch
Language
English
About your host
I’m an experienced knitter with over 40 years of experience. I am a qualified crafts teacher who enjoys teaching people new skills. I am also skilled in herbal dyeing, spinning yarn and basically anything and everything to do with wool.
My grandmother taught me sewing and embroidery when I was young and taught me to knit when I was 6 years old.
Gallery
Booking
This experience is booked on request. We will let you know within 72 hours whether your booking request has been accepted or not. No payment will be requested until the booking is confirmed.
Why booking with us
No booking fees or any hidden cost
Best price guarantee
Count on us to be there by your side
Creative Iceland’s Original
Good to know
Weatherproof
This activity takes place rain or shine
Skill level
The workshop is designed for all levels, beginner to advanced
Amenities
Free parking nearby
Cancellation policy
Cancel with more than 1 day of notice and get a full refund
Other booking options
Can be booked as private, please, contact with details
Other experiences
Four day knitting workshop ↗
Make and Icelandic Troll with wool ↗
Meeting at/location
Mosfellsbaer, 15 minute drive from downtown Reykjavik. Public bus available to get to the location. Address will be provided after booking.
