About
A collaboration between photoILKLEY, Ilkley’s first photography festival, Ilkley Manor House and artist Zoe Boswell.
Slow down and add a new layer to your photographs — with thread.
In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the basics of embroidery and how to stitch directly onto photographic prints. We’ll start with simple, confidence-building skills: separating thread strands, choosing how many to use for different image surfaces, threading needles, tying knots, and handling materials safely and comfortably.
You’ll then be guided through key stitches as we practise on card — sewing straight lines, shapes, letters and small words. Together, we’ll look at how stitch can change an image: what it can emphasise, reveal, hide, or transform. As a group we’ll brainstorm what to add to your photo, explore creative possibilities, and talk through the limits of the material (what works best — and what to avoid).
You can bring your own photographs, or use images provided on the day. The workshop leader will also share examples of their own work for inspiration. You’ll develop your design through drawing and tracing, transfer it onto your photograph, and learn how to pierce and stitch cleanly using tracing paper as a guide. With step-by-step support, you’ll begin your final stitched piece — or continue practising until you feel ready.
Book Tickets
Guide Prices
| Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
|---|---|
| Adult | £30.00 per adult |
Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.
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