'Stories in Stitch' Group Classes at Jessie's Studio

Stories in Stitch Group Classes at Jessie Chorley’s Studio 

I invite you to join me here, in person, at my South London studio in 2027 for my Stories in Stitch small group embroidery classes. You will be stitching in my private studio while immersed in my world, surrounded by my fabrics, threads and items collected over time and on my travels. 


About Stories in Stitch 

My Stories in Stitch class focuses on my unique style of hand-embroidered storytelling in fabric and thread. Under my guidance, you will be encouraged to play intuitively with a range of stitches (along with darning techniques, needle turned appliqué and reverse appliqué) to create an embroidered panel measuring approximately 35cm x 25cm. I will demonstrate these techniques at various stages throughout the day, allowing you to relax into our time together.

Whether you have a personal story to tell or a family memory to explore – or if you prefer to experiment and simply learn – this carefully curated class is perfect for both ways of working, and all levels of ability.

At the start of the day, I will talk you through a selection of my embroidered artworks and technical stitch samples.


Following this, you will be given an inspiration kit, and I will demonstrate how to start your own embroidered panel using the base fabric in the kit. We will begin by creating a decorative rolled and stitched border around your fabric. This border will provide structure and focus to your embroidery. 

Next, you will be encouraged to select and cut out fabric shapes. You will draw motifs directly onto your fabric using my signature cut and trace templates. Specialist pens and chalk pencils are provided for drawing. I will demonstrate how to tack your hand-cut shapes to your base fabric, and how to secure them in place using appliqué and embroidery techniques. This structured way of working allows you time to embroider into your panel under my guidance during the rest of the class.

Over the course of the day, you will discover how I incorporate found or personal items, especially pre-loved fabrics, into my embroidered stories. If this is something you would like to explore, please bring along small precious materials or items. For instance, a pearl button may become the centre of a flower, or a piece of blue silk ribbon a detail in a densely stitched sky. 

Pre-loved fabrics and objects can also inspire memories and personal stories. A snippet from a worn dress, a collar from a favourite shirt, or a patch from a worn curtain can all serve as treasured materials with personal associations. Focus on gathering items that hold meaning for you. Incorporating a special memory and personal ephemera into your embroidery can be highly rewarding.

I suggest you approach this Stories in Stitch class as an explorative and peaceful slow-stitching experience inspired by my artwork, while exploring the materials and one-off inspiration kit provided for you. For instance, you might like to focus on making a technical stitch sampler before starting a more structured panel or story at home. This approach can free one’s mind and spark fresh ideas for future stitching projects. 

Please note, you do not have to finish your work by the end of the class! Embroidery takes time and patience, and you are strongly encouraged to work freely and intuitively during the day and to enjoy the process. 


What to Bring to Your Class

My personal artwork focuses on storytelling, drawing and mark-making through embroidery and appliqué, and during the day I will help you to consider what your own style and approach to hand embroidery might be. 


To support this, I encourage you to bring along personal items to incorporate into the work you start on the day. Suggestions include favourite fabrics in any sizes, colours or patterns, threads you like to use, personal keepsakes, ribbons, lace and buttons. A drawing, poem, memory or significant life event, even a single word, can also act as inspiration.Feel free to also bring your favourite sewing tools, needles and scissors.

However, if you are travelling or can’t bring items along, I provide all the fabrics, threads, templates, sewing tools, needles and scissors for your class. Come as you are, relax and enjoy our time stitching together.


Booking your Class with Jessie Chorley

Book my Stories in Stitch small Group Class just for you or come with friends and stitching buddies. Book for one day or why not come for two days!

All available dates are listed in the drop-down menu ABOVE.

A maximum of five spaces is available for each class date.

Classes are six hours long and take place from 11am until 5pm.

My Stories in Stitch class is suitable for all abilities.


Booking Terms and Conditions 


Payment in full is required to secure your place on these small group classes. If you cancel your class for any reason, your payment is non-refundable. However, if you provide enough notice, I will try to resell your place. If your place is filled, you will be refunded minus a £10.00 booking fee.

In the unlikely event that I, Jessie Chorley, have to cancel your group class for any reason, your original payment will be refunded in full. Alternatively, you can rebook another one of my group class dates or you can save your payment as credit and spend it in my online shop.


My South London Studio, the location for Stories in Stitch


These classes take place in my private studio located in Woolwich, South London. I will share my exact studio address and travel guidance once your booking is underway. My studio is a private space and not open to the public, except by prior arrangement and for personal and group classes. 

If you have a question regarding the location of my studio in relation to your London hotel or your travel plans, please contact me before booking this class. I am happy to help!


Lunch, Tea and Coffee

There will be a short lunch break from 1pm to 1.45pm during our class. Please bring your own lunch or snacks or visit The Arts Café which is on the same site as my studio. Tea and coffee are provided for you throughout the day.


Shopping During your Class

In-person shopping during your class is very welcome! There is always lots to choose from. I accept all major credit and debit cards, as well as cash (UK sterling only).

Confirmation of Your Booking

Once I receive your online booking, I will email your confirmation, and include my contact details, studio address and travel guidance. 

I look forward to sewing with you!

Jessie Chorley