Decorative Embroidery on Knitwear with Robert Sheckler
((Workshop Postponed to 2026! Stay tuned for new dates))
oUTSKIRT STUDIOS
382 Goodwins Mills Road Lyman, ME 04002 (map)
Workshop Summary:
In this two-session, beginner-friendly workshop, participants will explore the art of embroidering on knitwear. In the first session, students will learn a variety of embroidery stitches well-suited to knitted fabrics, creating a stitch sampler while gaining essential skills like managing tension, anchoring stitches, and working with the structure of knits. The second session offers time for personalized project work, troubleshooting, and deeper exploration of stitch techniques. This workshop is perfect for those looking to embellish handmade or thrifted knits, repair old favorites, or simply enjoy a cozy, creative autumn project.
Workshop Description:
Come spend a cozy day with yarn in hand and experience the joy of embroidering knitwear. Embroidering knitted fabric is a relaxing technique when done in hand (no embroidery hoop) with yarn of the same weight as the knit. It works up more quickly than most embroidery techniques and provides a new way to embellish your handknits, upcycle thrifted knits, or even cover small holes and stains on a favorite old sweater.
During the first session of this two-session workshop, we’ll focus on learning embroidery stitches that work well on knitwear and practicing them on the provided swatches to create a knitwear stitch sampler. We’ll cover the techniques specific to knitwear, including how to start and finish your stitching, how to find the right level of stitch tension, and how to use the structure of the knit to your advantage. We’ll also cover ideas for combining stitches to create different motifs and designs. Stitches covered may include: back stitch, split stitch, stem stitch, chain stitch, heavy chain stitch, French knots, whipped and woven wheels, and the use of whipping and weaving as variations on linear stitches.
Students are encouraged to work on their own embroidered knitwear project between the two sessions and bring that project to the second session. Class time in the second session will focus on reviewing and elaborating on the techniques already learned, demonstrating additional stitches as requested, and troubleshooting the projects in progress. Students are welcome to reach out with questions about their individual projects between the two class sessions.
No previous embroidery or knitting experience is required.
Materials Provided by Instructor:
A materials fee of $15 should be paid directly to the instructor at the first class session. All necessary learning materials will be provided, including a knitted swatch, a selection of yarns to practice with, and a selection of needles appropriate for knitwear. Additional tools, such as scissors and seam rippers, will be available to use during the workshop sessions. Students will also receive a handout with tips and techniques, resources, and stitch diagrams.
Student Supplied Materials:
Students will provide the knitwear and materials for their individual projects. The area to be embroidered should be in a simple stitch (e.g. stockinette) and ideally in DK or worsted weight. The weight of the yarn used for embroidery should match the weight of the yarn used in the knit.
Instructor Bio:
Robert Sheckler of Redmond Philbert Handwork is an enthusiastic learner, teacher, and broommaker living and working in the Portland area. Whenever he is not making brooms, Robert loves to have needle and thread in hand. He is currently studying online with the Royal School of Needlework and enjoys experimenting with different materials in embroidery.
Registration:
Course fee: $200
Materials fee: $15
Registration will be coordinated by oUTSKIRT STUDIOS. To register, please follow the link below to their website.
Total workshop time: 7 hours
Minimum enrollment: 5 students
Maximum enrollment: 12 students
About our Host:
oUTSKIRT is a new collaborative workspace for artists and makers, located in the former Cousens School in Lyman, Maine. Just 30 minutes from Portland and 15 minutes from Biddeford, oUTSKIRT offers 10,000 square feet of interior space on nearly 7 acres of land. The space provides a variety of learning opportunities, as well as studio rentals for artists seeking community, inspiration, and room to create. outskirt-studios.com