Chicken scratch is one of many names for stitching on woven ginghams to make aprons or other functional domestic items. The checks provide the guides for your geometric, fanciful, or pictorial designs using simple stitching. Learn several of the basic stitches and experiment with color effects. Your instructor will contact you ahead of time about materials if you want to design a larger project to finish at home. All levels of stitchers welcome.

Explore how to use a punch needle as an embroidery tool in this versatile, meditative tapestry technique. Learn the ropes by creating a small embroidered piece on a hoop with the option to contribute your work to a collective tapestry with classmates. Prepare your own, larger work surface on canvas stretcher bars, then use your new knowledge to create a 16 by 20-inch tapestry in a design of your choosing. All levels welcome. $

Originating in ancient Japan, temari is a form of embroidery done on a geometrically divided spherical base. Initially made as toys, these folk craft items have now become a decorative art form. Learn about basic temari ball construction, wrapping, and stitching techniques. Even the most basic stitches can be combined in infinite, intricate ways! Patterns and ideas will be available for stitchers of all levels.

Are your sweaters languishing in the closet? Does your handmade book need a finishing touch? Use a needle, thread, and some plastic rings to create buttons all your own! Explore stitched and wrapped techniques as you learn a variety of historic and contemporary styles including the Dorset Crosswheel and Evening Star. Also, learn how to make a simple book structure to display and label your new creations. Magnification and some experience with needle and thread is helpful, but not required.

Extend the life of your favorite jeans and add decorative stitching to your wardrobe with Sashiko stitching. Begin with an overview of the history and cultural significance of Sashiko in Japan before diving into this beautiful and meditative stitching practice. After building a foundation of basic techniques, learn how to use Sashiko for visible mending. Bring your own piece of clothing to mend or use a provided sampler to plan, design, and stitch your own wearable art.

Let your unique style shine through as you create your own doll design. Needle sculpt faces, make a body to match its personality and finish with choosing how to dress your final figure. Your imagination is the limit! Figures can be old or young, standing or sitting, flying, or even a swimming mermaid. All levels welcome; basic hand-stitching and machine sewing skills required.

Discover the fundamentals of goldwork–the traditional art of hand embroidering with metal threads and wires. Learn about the essential embroidery techniques, stitches, tools, and materials used in goldwork as well as its historic roots and contemporary applications. Additional topics will include an introduction to hand embroidery basics, how to create your own goldwork design, and how to combine goldwork with other embroidery materials and processes. All levels welcome.

Delve into the rich world of Japanese hand stitching through a process‑focused exploration of sashiko and boro‑inspired textile practices. Learn about culture, tools, and materials, and develop efficient techniques while stitching a traditional hanafukin. Skills covered include how to start threads without knots, two major pattern approaches, multiple design‑transfer methods, and much more. Finish the week with a pouch or sample piece that reflects both function and story. All levels welcome.

Let's play with fancy fabrics! Silks, velvets, vintage linens and laces, corduroy and denim–prepare for a journey into the unknown. Choose from materials provided by the instructors and create fabric objects that are uniquely your own–small wall hangings, bags, or maybe a journal cover or two. All levels welcome. Hand or machine sewing experience are helpful.

Learn the art of punch needle rug hooking from a certified Oxford punch needle instructor. Start with no prior experience and complete three projects of different sizes using different yarns, wool fabric, and various punch needle sizes. Essential equipment and proper punching techniques, as well as how to dye wool fabric and rug yarn will be covered. Be inspired by a wealth of ideas to guide you and acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to create larger, more intricate rugs in the future. $

Create your own mountaintop-vista, fabric book keepsake! The mountains are a perfect place to view beautiful scenery and the Folk School grounds are full of inspiration for this unique project. Design landscapes, use collage appliqué, and paint-dye on fabric and batting to make unusual textures. Add embroidered details on the background and incorporate hand-dyed fabrics, trims, and threads. Sewing machines are not needed for this all handwork class.

Learn all the steps to creating a traditional hooked rug, from start to finish. Gain an introduction to transferring patterns to a backing, basic color planning, proper loop-pulling techniques, and several options for finishing techniques. Each student will choose a pattern or work on a project they have already started, choose colors for that pattern, and then work at their own level to finish the project. $

Explore layered textile collage through an intuitive, creative approach. Working with diverse materials, assemble fabrics, textures, and colors into richly layered compositions that are personal and unique. Use appliqué, embroidery, stenciling, cyanotype, and more to create dynamic work that reflects your voice. Focus on hand-sewing and embroidery; a few sewing machines will be available. Expect to complete a series of studies that can be framed or added to quilts. All levels welcome.

This form of Japanese folk art involves decorating cloth or thread balls with geometric designs in pearl cotton and simple stitches. Learn how to wrap and prepare a ball for stitching, mark for different patterns, perform basic stitches, and understand the fundamentals of layered and woven design. If you can thread a needle, you are ready to create these mesmerizing and joyful works of art. All levels welcome!

Discover a new twist (or stitch!) for mixed-media collage. Gain an introduction to basic collage techniques–combining paper and found materials with drawing and painting–then add elements of stitching and embellishment. Explore abstract and narrative compositions while learning to mix materials in surprising ways. Previous hand-sewing experience is a plus. Hand and finger strength is important, and good eyesight or magnification is needed.