Best embroidery classes: Make beautiful art with needle and thread

Embroidery is a fine-tuned sewing art form that dates back centuries.

Today, it’s a coveted creative hobby taken up by artists of all walks of life, looking for ways to experiment with this needlecraft classic.

Don’t be fooled — embroidery is so much more than what you may be thinking. While the art form demands precision, technique, and practice, it’s also a super versatile medium to explore a range of out-of-the-box themes and unique pop culture trends. This craft has really stood the test of time!

If you’re a needlecraft enthusiast, love mixed-medium artwork, or want to delve into some real-deal vintage pastimes, taking a few online embroidery classes is a great way to get started.

Keep reading and discover the best embroidery classes you can start taking online, on your time, at your pace.

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How to choose the best embroidery class for you

With a rise in teachers and crafters publishing content and YouTube tutorials, it can be hard to pinpoint the best embroidery classes out there. 

However, there is a rich selection of online embroidery courses available that are convenient, affordable, fun, and easy to access if you know where to look.

Our guide includes some of the best courses you can find on some of the most popular learning platforms: Domestika, Skillshare, Udemy, CreativeLive, Craftsy, and Creativebug. Check out our comparison article below to learn more.

Read also: Best online course platforms for creatives

When choosing the best embroidery classes for you, there are a few aspects to consider: 

• What platforms provide the best deals, conditions, or language options for you? 
• What is your skill level? Are you starting from scratch, or do you have similar/previous experience with the craft and tools? 
• Do you want to explore handheld embroidery or machine embroidery?
• Are you looking for a project-centered course or looking to tackle skills and drills?
• What themes would you like to master? Botanical? Woodland creatures? Vintage? 3D embroidery? 

Keep in mind that if you’re completely new to the craft, you might want to start by taking the more general 101 embroidery classes at the beginning of the list. However, all of the options in our guide are beginner-friendly, so any pick will be a great pick! 

Best embroidery classes

Peruse our guide to the best embroidery classes online and start experimenting with all the craft has to offer.

Also, don’t be shy; let us know in the comments below which embroidery classes are your favorite!

Intro to Embroidery

At the top of our list is this fun beginners class taught by whimsical Craftsy teacher Kristen Gula.

Although this course is just a little under an hour, it surprisingly covers a lot of ground for crafters with zero experience.

During this time, the self-taught fiber artist will go over basic materials, teach you how to hold a thread and needle properly, and demonstrate a set of crucial stitching techniques every embroiderer needs to master. You will also work on a project — a great way to practice your newfound skills.

Overall, this course is a really convenient resource for embroidery newbies that have little time on their hands. While it might not be the most comprehensive starter course on the list, it certainly is worth it as it’s easy to follow, includes a project, and requires very little learning time.

Sign up for a membership with Craftsy to know more; a monthly membership will normally cost you only $8, or you can purchase just this course and keep it forever.

However, there’s a special offer to get your first year of Craftsy for just $2.49. That includes this course and thousands more. That’s an incredible offer.

Realistic Embroidery Techniques

Featuring UK artist Emilie Ferris, this Domestika class will show you how to transform your embroidery projects into beautiful, hyper-realistic pieces of art, no matter your skill level.

By learning how to sew with organic-inspired colors, apply shading techniques, and play with shapes and hues, you’ll be on your way to making delicate embroidery designs that resemble the delicacy found in paintings.

Read also: Best embroidery kits

By the time you complete this course, you’ll have an embroidery project of a realistic butterfly ready to showcase! Contrary to the class above, this starter course takes a more in-depth approach and targets a specific embroidering style.

That said, keep in mind that if you’re looking for a more introductory embroidery class, you might want to take this one after you’ve got the basics down.

This is an especially fun option if you love realistic art — or the opposite! If you tend to lean towards more abstract work, this is a great way to get out of your comfort zone and broaden your skill set.

Painting With Thread: Modern Embroidery For Beginners

In this Skillshare class, instructor Danielle Clough will show you the basics of modern embroidery art — lots of bold colors and funky forms to play with here!

Although mastering fundamental stitching techniques is crucial when learning embroidery, this course is all about putting stiff rules aside and rethinking embroidery as fun, freeform artistic expression.

Read also: Best needle felting kits

Once comfortable with the basics, you’ll learn how to incorporate modern gradients and textures and work towards a finished piece of your own. A big plus of this course is its focus on selecting quality reference pictures to work from.

While there is a lot to learn here, class duration is a little over an hour long, making it a convenient option for busy crafters. It’s also the perfect pick if you want to experiment with needlecraft beyond traditional themes and methods.

To take this course, you’ll need to sign up for Skillshare Premium or try out the platform’s free one-month trial. Don’t forget, once subscribed, you’ll have access to all of Skillshare’s embroidery classes, and there are plenty more on this list!

Basic Embroidery Techniques: Stitches, Compositions, and Color Ranges

This Domestika course stars embroiderer and graphic designer Loly Ghirardi (Señorita Lylo) and focuses on mixing different artistic expressions with embroidery. 

Because embroidery is so much more than replicating images with needle and thread, your instructor will prove just how versatile the craft can get when combined with other art forms: digital art, illustration, and typography. 

Read also: 100+ creative hobbies to try and how to get started

You’ll also be applying your newfound stitching skills, whether flat, raised, sand stem, or woven.

If you love upcycled fashion and want to apply embroidery techniques refreshingly, this is definitely up your alley: we have more on this topic; keep reading!

Additionally, this teacher offers an advanced class for intermediate sewers. If this is something you’d eventually like to sign up for too, getting on a Domestika Plus membership is a great way to enjoy course bundles at low prices.

Introduction to Embroidery

Another introductory option for beginners on our best embroidery classes list is this CreativeLive course taught by Lisa Shaffer.

Unlike most of the previous embroidery classes in the guide, this course isn’t necessarily project-based. Instead, Lisa highlights the essential skills and techniques needed to pursue the craft independently.

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A brief history of hand embroidery, how to choose materials, make a hoop sampler, and fundamental stitches will all be covered in detail. A unique aspect of CreativeLive is that its format is different than most platforms.

Classes are set up in an engaging lecture-type manner, giving you the feeling you’re sitting in a classroom — believe me, it’s more entertaining than school!

If looking for more technical embroidery classes, this is definitely an option to consider. It’s also a great course to take alongside more project-oriented embroidery classes to get you practicing as you learn. Click below to sign up!

Introduction to Freehand Machine Embroidery

This is the first Udemy option on our best embroidery classes list, and you’re in luck because — it’s free!

Taught by Meredith Woolnough and unlike the rest of the embroidery classes in our guide, this introductory course tackles machine embroidering with a sewing machine versus handheld tools.

Read also: Best handheld sewing machines

Your teacher will guide you through stitch-making, show you how to freehand, and demonstrate the ease and benefit of using a sewing machine to create classic needlecraft designs.

Take this machine embroidery class if you want to explore new approaches to the craft or are looking for new projects to put your dusty sewing machine to use! Also, did I mention that this complete course costs $0? Just saying!

If interested in taking this class and discovering Udemy’s endless library, click below!

Hand Embroidery 101: Foundational Stitches & Techniques

This Skillshare course is one of the most comprehensive of all the embroidery classes listed and faithfully honors the “101” part of its title!

This over four-hour-long class taught by Heidi Sternberg dives into every step and detail involved in floral embroidering. You’ll learn all of the essential hand embroidery techniques to master any project that comes your way.

Although pretty technical and meticulous, you’ll also be working on a floral-inspired embroidery piece as you learn — this is a really engaging course!

Like the CreativeLive class mentioned above, this is more of a skill-building course, ideal for aspiring embroiderers who love a challenge or experienced crafters looking to brush up on forgotten skills.

Sign up for a Skillshare Premium membership to access this course. Or, try out the platform’s month-long free trial and enjoy all of its embroidery classes and content for a month!

Stitching Woodland Creatures 101: Exploring Texture in Hand Embroidery

During this course, embroidery expert Floor Giebels will show you how to stitch adorable woodland creatures!

You’ll learn how to create textures, play with colors, and add “furry” effects to bring your embroidered animals to life.

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Besides going over materials and techniques, your teacher will also provide PDF files for you to practice your newfound skills on cute hedgehog, squirrel, and fawn designs.

Since this course is suitable for all skill levels, it’s been set up in easy-to-follow chunks, and ideal whether you’ve just started embroidering or are an experienced hobbyist seeking new subject matters. This is also the perfect class if looking to improve the depth and texture in your work.

Keep in mind that this course focuses on detailed, realistic embroidering techniques which may not be your cup of tea if you tend to pursue more abstract, freeform art ventures.

Upcycling with Embroidery

Architecture-themed embroidery and upcycling are Kseniia Guseva’s passions — and she’ll be showing you everything you need to know to transform unused garments during this Domestika course.

During two hours, Kseniia will cover different material types, explain which are best for embroidering, how to incorporate color, transfer designs onto fabric and ultimately, how to thread your needle and get stitching.

Like all Domestika classes, you’ll be encouraged to participate in a class project: embroidering an architectural-inspired design onto a piece of clothing you want to upcycle. You’ll also learn how to secure your stitches and preserve your embroidered garments once your work is completed.

This course is perfect for anyone looking for creative ways to give their clothes a second life, as well as for fashion-forward textile artists seeking inspiration for new ideas.

Keep in mind that this class is aimed at beginners, so you’ll learn the basics of upcycling vs. advanced embroidery techniques. For more clothes-related courses, check out the themed embroidery classes at the end of the article!

Thread Painting: Embroider Evergreen Trees

Next up is a nature-inspired option featured on craft platform Creativebug.

For an hour, tree-loving artist Anna Hultin will guide you through the ins and outs of translating the beauty of trees onto your embroidery cloth.

Read also: Looking for a creative gift? Try these hobby and craft kits

During this time, you’ll create three beautiful evergreen tree embroidery designs that you’ll be able to showcase or gift once you’ve completed the course.

Before signing up, know that this is not a standard embroidery class: your teacher will focus on non-traditional stitching techniques through the style of thread painting.

You can also take this Skillshare course for more thread painting fun! If you love nature themes, we’ve listed a few more of our botanical and floral-inspired embroidery classes further below.

Lively Pet Portraits: Fur Embroidery Techniques

This is one of my favorite Domestika embroidery classes because of its original subject matter and unique stitching techniques — you’ll be learning how to embroider realistic animal portraits!

Over five hours of content, your teacher, embroidery artist Santo Cielo, will show you the fundamentals to have you replicating your favorite furry friend through the popular needlecraft like a pro.

Being the longest course in our lineup, rest assured as you’ll have plenty of learning time to enjoy. During this time, Santo will guide you through your materials, show you how to make an arrow scheme to help map out the movement of fur and its layers, and select colors with criteria.

Preparing your hoop, transferring your image, and creating a fur sampler are other skills you’ll master. Finally, your teacher will demonstrate how to bring your pet’s features to life, with a primary focus on developing hair and whiskers.

If you have a love for your pet(s) or know someone who is near and dear to theirs, this is a really fun beginner-friendly project to learn. The course itself also makes for a unique gift for a crafty, animal-loving pal!

Hand Embroidery for Clothing: Stitch a Collage Design

This Domestika course covers everything you need to know about embroidering colorful images onto stretchy clothing, whether for upcycling purposes or to come up with personalized fashion statements from scratch.

Your teacher, Macedonian hand embroiderer Stefanija Pejchinovska (Damaja), will go over techniques, how to create filler stitches to cover empty surfaces, create a mood board, and transfer your collage designs onto your garments.

In the meanwhile, you’ll learn about color patterns, adding texture to compositions, and stitching detail to perfection. While this class is for beginners, we recommend going for a more introductory embroidery course first since there are techniques here that may be too advanced.

Also, if you’re looking for a more classic, standard approach to this needlecraft, you’ll be better off with some of the other classes listed. This one is very much focused on the specifics of embroidering on specific materials and garments.

On the other hand, it’s a great complementary class to take if you’re looking for courses to add to your Domestika Plus bundle: one thing is sure, it’s pretty fun and leaves lots of room for creativity!

Introduction to Blackwork Embroidery

Textile artist Gimena Romero will guide you through her artistic journey during this incredible Domestika class and teach you the art of blackwork embroidery!

Blackwork is a traditional English form of embroidery that creates geometric patterns in an illustrative style, historically for garments. Contrary to the name, this embroidery style also incorporates blue, green, and metallic-colored threads.

The beauty of this course is that it brings this historic, visually impactful art form to the 21st century. Gimena is a master in her craft and will show you how to add edge, create modern patterns, contrasts, gradients, and integrate digital art into your work.

I love Gimena’s calm, cool, and collected teaching style, and I’m sure you’ll find her just as inspiring. If you’re looking for captivating embroidery classes that spark enthusiasm, this is a great starting point.

Also, if you’re anything like me, you’ll enjoy experimenting with minimal color options versus rainbow-like palettes.

Japanese Sashiko: A Daily Decorative Stitching Practice

On the note of historic embroidery styles, this Creativebug course is all about sashiko — a centuries-old Japanese stitching technique.

This course is taught by Lisa Solomon, who will cover a staggering total of 30 techniques for sewing Japanese sashiko patterns, spanning from crosses to flowers. Each format is geometric, offering a new take on embroidery based on repetition and wholeness.

Read also: Best sewing classes

This two-hour-long class offers a unique connection with 17th-century Japanese art, making it the perfect entryway to the craft if you love learning more about the evolution of age-old art forms. I can tell you one thing, sashiko is making a comeback with the visual mending boom!

Creativebug offers free trials, allowing anyone to enjoy this class expense-free before committing to a membership!

Stumpwork Embroidery: Create 3D Ornaments

This unique embroidery class on Domestika is taught by needlecraft wiz Shan Xu and marks the end of our guide! If you have no clue what stumpwork embroidery is, you’re in for a treat.

In short, stumpwork embroidery is a form of raised embroidery that gives your work a dramatic, 3D, pop-up-like effect, achieved by applying a series of stitching techniques.

Shan Xu will teach you how to approach this art form through traditional Chinese techniques as well as wiring, preparing your hoop, and assembling.

By the end of this class, you’ll have embroidered and transformed an intricate, double-sided flower piece into a wearable accessory!

This is an engaging, one-of-a-kind class and an especially enticing choice if you’re a fan of fashion illustration, floral design, and jewelry making.

Best embroidery classes by theme

What to dive deeper into specific embroidery techniques, themes, or creative mixed-media projects? Below you’ll find a few more of our favorite embroidery classes by theme!

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That’s it for our list of the best embroidery classes online! Do you have any more recommendations? Let everyone know in the comments below!