Brooke Booth recently completed our Skill Stage 2 Hand Embroidery course and is continuing her studies with us at the School of Stitched Textiles.
Like many learners, Brooke began with a passion for embroidery but felt limited by her knowledge of stitches and a reliance on pre-designed kits. She was looking for structure, guidance and a way to move beyond simply following patterns. What she discovered through the course was not only a broader understanding of embroidery techniques, but a new way of thinking about her own creative practice.
Throughout her studies, Brooke embraced the process of experimentation, learning to explore different stitches, challenge her assumptions and begin developing her own designs. Her journey reflects a shift that many of our students experience, moving from uncertainty to confidence, and from replication to self-expression.
Now progressing onto our intermediate Hand Embroidery course and setting her sights on exhibiting her work for the first time, Brooke’s story is a powerful reminder that creativity grows through curiosity, persistence and a willingness to try something new.
Brooke shares how the course has shaped her skills, her mindset and her ambitions as an emerging textile artist. This is her #MyStitchJourney
“I would certainly recommend the course to others. It was extremely helpful to have the structure and assignments to cover a wide area of embroidery. The ability to email my tutor with questions and get replies promptly was also a huge bonus, as I didn’t feel alone in the process.”
Motivation for Studying
I came to the course with some previous experience in embroidery, but my knowledge was quite limited. I had mostly worked with kits that included pre-designed patterns, so while I was familiar with a couple of basic stitches such as back stitch and satin stitch, I hadn’t really explored much beyond that or understood how to use stitches more creatively.
My motivation for enrolling on the course was to give myself some structure in my learning. I wanted to expand my knowledge of stitches, but also begin to understand how to create my own designs rather than simply following a pattern. Although I had books that demonstrated different stitches, they didn’t offer much guidance on how to apply them, which stitches might work best in different contexts, or how to experiment with them in a meaningful way. The course provided that missing link. It introduced a more methodical approach to learning, while also encouraging exploration and play, which helped me to develop both my skills and my confidence.
The accreditation was also important to me. I wanted to be sure that I was investing my time in a course that had been properly reviewed and met recognised standards, rather than something more informal. Discovering the School of Stitched Textiles was really appealing because of the clear progression between levels, which gave me the opportunity to continue developing my skills over time. As I am based in the US, the fact that the courses are delivered online made them accessible in a way that in-person textile courses simply are not. I also really appreciated how easy it was to stay in touch and submit work, even if it meant brushing up on my PowerPoint skills along the way.
Biggest Takeaways
One of the most valuable things I have taken from the course is a much greater awareness of the range of techniques within embroidery. There is so much more to the discipline than I had previously realised. I particularly enjoyed the blackwork section and have continued to experiment with this since completing the course. At the same time, the course challenged my assumptions about design. I hadn’t fully appreciated how complex the design process can be, and it has encouraged me to keep pushing myself to develop this area further as I continue my creative journey.
Having a structured framework, alongside prompts and assignments, was incredibly helpful. It gave me direction, but also highlighted how important it is to keep experimenting in order to discover my own style and voice. I am currently enrolled on the Skill Stage 3 Hand Embroidery course, although a recent move and some health challenges have slowed my progress. Now that things are settling, I am really looking forward to continuing and building on what I have already learned.
I have also set myself a personal goal of creating a piece to exhibit in a local summer art show, which will be the first time I have shared my work publicly. That feels like a significant step forward for me.
Advice for new students
I would absolutely recommend this course to others. The structure and breadth of content ensure that you gain a well-rounded understanding of embroidery, and the support from tutors makes a real difference. Being able to ask questions and receive thoughtful feedback meant that I never felt isolated in the process.
If I were to offer advice to anyone considering the course, it would be to embrace trying new things and not worry about everything being perfect. That is easier said than done. I found some techniques, particularly drawn thread work, quite intimidating at first. I hesitated because I was worried about making mistakes. But once I allowed myself to begin, I found the process incredibly satisfying. Even when things didn’t go quite right, it became part of the learning process.
The final design piece was also a challenge. The image I had in my mind did not immediately translate onto the fabric, which was frustrating at times. In the end, simplifying my ideas helped me move forward. While I am proud of the finished piece, I know there is still more to learn, particularly in developing my design skills so that I can more confidently express my ideas through my work.
Looking to unleash your creative confidence? Take a look at our City & Guilds accredited courses.
