Embroidery Workshop in Builth Wells: Learn Thread Painting
Beginner-Friendly Hand Embroidery lesson at Joia, Builth Wells
Saturday 20th June | 10:30am–4:30pm
£70, all materials included
Join award-winning hand embroidery artist Lucy Newman for a beginner-friendly embroidery workshop in Builth Wells, Mid Wales. This relaxed one-day workshop introduces thread painting, a hand embroidery technique used to build colour, depth and delicate shading with stitch.
“Lucy is a brilliant and generous teacher. Her workshop was clear, relaxed and inspiring, with just the right balance of guidance and space to experiment. I came away with new embroidery skills, more confidence, and a piece I was genuinely proud of.”
About This Thread Painting Workshop
Thread painting is a hand embroidery technique that uses carefully blended stitches to create soft tonal changes, texture and lifelike detail, much like painting with a brush. Throughout the day, participants will be guided through the fundamentals of shading with thread, learning how to approach colour transitions, stitch direction and layered embroidery in a simple and accessible way.
Beginning with a series of practical exercises exploring contour shading and tapestry shading, students will then move on to designing and stitching their own small thread painted study. This workshop is suitable for complete beginners as well as those with some stitching experience who would like to develop their embroidery skills further.
The focus of the day is on building confidence, slowing down and enjoying the meditative process of hand embroidery while learning a specialist technique that can be continued at home.
What You’ll Learn
This one-day workshop will introduce you to the foundations of thread painting, with a focus on long and short stitch, the fundamental stitch used to create painterly effects in hand embroidery.
In the morning, you will work on a series of samples exploring different ways to apply long and short stitch. You will learn how stitch direction changes the surface of an image, and how techniques such as contour shading and tapestry shading can be used to create shape, movement and depth.
In the afternoon, you will use these techniques to begin your own small hand embroidered thread painting. The focus will be on building confidence with colour blending, stitch placement and translating an image into thread.
By the end of the workshop, you will have a stronger understanding of how thread painting works, a set of useful embroidery samples, and the start of your own stitched artwork to continue or finish at home.
Your Questions, Answered
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No previous embroidery experience is needed. This is a beginner-friendly hand embroidery workshop, but it is also suitable for people who already stitch and would like to learn more about thread painting.
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You will learn the fundamentals of thread painting, including stitch direction, colour blending, shading and how to build texture with hand embroidery. The workshop will guide you through the process of creating a small embroidered artwork by hand.
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Thread painting is a hand embroidery technique that uses stitch like mark-making or brushwork. By layering colours and changing the direction of the stitches, you can create depth, movement and detailed imagery with thread.
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Yes. The workshop is designed to be accessible and supportive, with clear demonstrations and individual guidance throughout the day.
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Yes. If you already have embroidery experience, the workshop will help you refine your approach to colour, shading and stitch direction. You can work at your own pace and develop the technique in more detail.
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In the morning, you will work on a series of embroidery samples exploring different ways to apply long and short stitch, the fundamental stitch used in thread painting. You will learn how to approach contour shading and tapestry shading, building an understanding of how stitch direction can create shape, texture and depth.
In the afternoon, you will use these techniques to begin your own small hand embroidered thread painting to take home.
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No. All materials are included, so you do not need to bring any embroidery equipment with you.
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Yes. All embroidery materials needed for the workshop are included in the ticket price.
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The workshop takes place at Joia in Builth Wells, Powys, Mid Wales.
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This is a one-day embroidery workshop. Please check the booking details for the exact start and finish times.
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Yes. Complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits will be available throughout the day.
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Spaces are limited to keep the workshop relaxed and allow time for individual guidance.
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Wear something comfortable. Embroidery is not especially messy, but it is best to avoid clothing that catches easily on thread or fabric.
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Yes. You are very welcome to come alone. The workshop is relaxed and friendly, and many people attend creative workshops by themselves.
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Please contact Lucy before booking if you have any access needs or specific requirements. Every effort will be made to make the workshop as comfortable and accessible as possible.
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Yes. An embroidery workshop can make a thoughtful gift for someone interested in textiles, craft, slow stitching or learning a new creative skill.
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The price includes tuition, all embroidery materials, use of tools during the workshop, and complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits.
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Most participants will make good progress during the day, but thread painting is a slow and detailed technique. You may wish to continue working on your piece at home.
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The workshop is taught by Lucy Newman, an award-winning hand embroidery artist specialising in thread painting.
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No, this is a hand embroidery workshop rather than a general sewing class. You will be working by hand with needle, thread and fabric.
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No. This workshop focuses entirely on hand embroidery. No sewing machines are used.
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You can book your place through the booking link on this page. Spaces are limited.
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Please check the booking terms when reserving your place. If you are unable to attend, contact Lucy as soon as possible.