New
New
Exploring embroidery and stitch
I can make an embroidery sampler to practice different stitches.
Lesson 5 of 6
New
New
- Year 8
Exploring embroidery and stitch
I can make an embroidery sampler to practice different stitches.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Embroidery has been used throughout the centuries to produce functional and artistic outcomes.
- You can create designs with embroidery stitches and can also draw with stitch.
- Colour and colour theory is an important part of embroidery.
- Artists can take inspiration from many things to produce traditional or contemporary embroidery pieces.
Keywords
Embroidery - stitching designs onto fabric or other materials
Sampler - fabric or material used to practise or demonstrate stitches on
Stitch - the basic movement of thread through fabric to make a design or join
Common misconception
Embroidery is a simple way of decorating cloth and has no cultural context.
Embroidery goes beyond just being a decorative process, it is a powerful form of art that can reflect cultural heritage.
If an embroidery hoop cannot be used to keep fabric taut, thicker pieces of fabric such as felt can be used instead. Thicker fabrics make it easier to have more control when sewing.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Cotton, felt, embroidery thread, needles, embroidery hoop, pencil, ruler.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is embroidery?
What is embroidery?
Drawing patterns with pencil on fabric
Painting colour onto fabric
Cutting shapes from fabric and gluing them down
Q2.Where might you find examples of embroidery?
Where might you find examples of embroidery?
Only in history books
Just on factory-made textiles
Only in museums
Q3. thread is used in blackwork embroidery.
thread is used in blackwork embroidery.
Q4.What is the purpose of a sampler in embroidery?
What is the purpose of a sampler in embroidery?
To clean your needle
To measure fabric
To keep thread colours tidy
Q5.What is an embroidery hoop used for?
What is an embroidery hoop used for?
Measuring thread length
Cutting fabric into circles
Adding colour to thread
Q6.An embroidery hoop has two hoops: one on the __________ and one on the __________.
An embroidery hoop has two hoops: one on the __________ and one on the __________.
top
bottom
linen
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is embroidery thread usually made from?
What is embroidery thread usually made from?
Plastic and rubber
Wool and leather
Paper and glue
Q2.Which of the art elements is most important to consider when planning your embroidery?
Which of the art elements is most important to consider when planning your embroidery?
Q3.Match the technique with its description.
Match the technique with its description.
Q4.Blackwork embroidery uses only thread and is often geometric.
Blackwork embroidery uses only thread and is often geometric.
Q5.Why do artists use samplers?
Why do artists use samplers?
To sew clothes
To draw directly on fabric
Q6.Embroidery can be used to tell and express ideas.
Embroidery can be used to tell and express ideas.
