Hand Darning Workshops

Darning Sampler 2 - part of the Repair Restore Recreate

Learn a new technique and enjoy a day of slow stitching at one of my new Hand Darning Workshops.

To book please visit https://www.catherinehill.art/collections/workshops

Spaces are limited to 10 per workshop, and all cloth, thread, needle, and paper resources required are included in the £75 cost of the workshop.
This workshop is best suited to individuals with some sewing experience, ensuring they can get the most out of the class.

Hand Darning Workshops - Sampler 2
Hand Darning Sampler 2

The act of repairing worn or damaged cloth often involves the traditional technique of darning. In this workshop, I’ll share some of my darning samplers and guide you through a variety of hand‑stitched methods, celebrating the textures and patterns that can be created with just a simple needle and thread.
On a piece of plain cloth, you will create a small sampler to explore a variety of darning techniques, which you can continue to develop at home.

During the class, we’ll explore different needle and thread options, experiment with sampler design, and look at ways to further develop and evolve your stitching techniques.

One day workshop dates – 31st May 2026, 12th July 2026 – run from 10am to 4pm with a break for lunch, and take place at the Shavington-cum-Gresty Village Hall, Main Rd, Shavington, Crewe CW2 5DP.
Parking is available at the rear of the hall. More travel information for train and road are available on the bookings page.

Darning Sampler 3

Darning Sampler 3 is a new artwork for 2026 and part of a growing body of work centred around my love for the humble darning stitch – I’ll be teaching a Hand Darning workshop later in 2026. To book please visit  https://www.catherinehill.art/collections/workshops

Darning Sampler 3
Darning Sampler 3

The inspiration for the work came from a vintage hand tatted linen napkin I found in my collection. The blue cloth was a prefect surface to showcase the stitches.

As a change from my usual red thread, I chose a soft cream colour to compliment the tatting and added a set of three red stitches in the corner of the work.

Darning Sampler 3
Darning Sampler – detail

Size 30 x 30cm. Hand stitched darning stitches with Madeira thread, into a vintage blue linen napkin with hand tatted edging.

Darning Samplers 1 & 2 have taken part in exhibitions with the Embroiderers’ Guild.

O Curioso Gabinete: Animal Exhibition

I’m pleased to share that Found – Toy Lion has been selected by curator Alison Davis Kurley, for the O Curioso Gabinete: Animal Exhibition – an exhibition touring Portugal.

Found: Toy Lion - part of the O Curioso Gabinete: Animal Exhibition
Found: Toy Lion – part of the O Curioso Gabinete: Animal Exhibition

O Curioso Gabinete: Animal Exhibition

O Curioso Gabinete is a touring exhibition of miniature 2D and 3D works shown in a hamster cage. The cabinet will be displayed in several galleries and other locations in Portugal, including Porto, Coimbra and Tomar.

All work has a maximum length of 10cm and weighs no more than 60g – the average length and weight of a hamster. 

Update

The first stop of the tour, 26 September – 3 October 2025, is A Tentadora in Covilhã. Covilhã is a city in the Portuguese mountains and has a good arts scene. A Tentadora is a small, beautiful space that hosts exhibitions alongside its shop and workspaces. The exhibition will then transfer to its next Porto location. 

Found: Toy Lion inside the Hamster cage
Found: Toy Lion inside the Hamster cage

Update:

The second stop of the tour, 4-16 October 2025 in Porto. The exhibition will then transfer to its next Tomar location. 

Update:

The third stop of the tour, 17-18 October 2025 in Tomar. The exhibition will then transfer to its next Celas location.

Update:

The fourth stop of the tour, 25-31 October 2025 in Celas.