In this class, you’ll create a modern blackwork-inspired sampler featuring 14 distinct embroidery stitches stitched in perle cotton thread—including tied herringbone, toroko, fly, brighton, guilloche, plaited feather, cloud fill, tulip, maltese cross, rice, foliage, laced wheel, algerian eye, and back stitch—each chosen for its shape and visual impact when worked on a grid. You’ll learn how to stitch on even-weave aida (gridded) fabric to achieve a clean, geometric look. This sampler steps a little off the beaten path, featuring under-used, more unusual stitches you won’t find in a traditional embroidery sampler. The thread choices are just as intentional, moving beyond standard DMC floss to highlight structure and the character of each stitch. Suggested thread choices include variegated colors and stitches that incorporate multiple layered colors. As you stitch your piece, you’ll have space to make your own color and pattern choices. The finished sampler works beautifully framed, or as a pocket, panel, or feature piece in a larger project.

How the class works

• 13 live, 1-hour sessions on Zoom (learn step by step, together) June 4 – August 27, 2026
• Access to pre-recorded lessons for rewatching, catching up, or stitching at your own pace
• Small class size (max 10) for questions and one-on-one guidance
• Cameras on or off, chit chat or not— please participate in whatever way makes you feel comfortable.

Materials

• Use your own supplies or choose an optional kit at registration
• Kit includes: navy 11-count Aida fabric + 6 coordinating perle cotton thread colors (shown at left), full size color pattern. Note: Please register by May 20 to receive your kit in time for class.
• You’ll also need: scissors, cross-stitch needle
• To use your own supplies, download the supply list here. Note: substitutions welcome, DMC floss works beautifully if you have that in your stash

Perfect for

• Absolute beginners (no experience needed) or more advanced stitchers
• Stitchers who love structure, rhythm, and a little geometry
• Anyone who wants increase their stitch vocabulary to include some more unusual and unexpected stitch patterns

Good to know

• Most stitching can be completed during class, with a bit of optional at-home time depending on your pace
• The thread colors shown at left do not exactly match the colors in the stitched sample in the photos. Several colors I used for the sample were unavailable, so I curated a variation on that color collection for the kits.

This isn’t your traditional sampler of repeating stitches—it’s a curated mix of bold, graphic techniques that build something striking as you go. Each stitch brings a new texture, a new pattern, a new way of seeing what embroidery can be.