Exploring Free Motion Reverse Appliqué
Saturday 24th January 2026 - Henshaws, Knaresborough
Available spaces
Join us for a one-day workshop at North Yorks Art School, led by Holly Capstick, a skilled textile artist passionate about the art of machine embroidery and reverse appliqué. This beginner-friendly session welcomes adults aged 16+ (or 13+ if accompanied by a paying adult), guiding you to create a stunning portrait-themed fabric artwork using free-motion machine embroidery and reverse appliqué techniques. You’ll learn to layer fabrics, cut away sections to reveal vibrant designs, and stitch expressive details, choosing from Holly’s provided portrait templates or why not bring your own design idea. No prior sewing experience is needed, as full teaching and support are provided. Set in the vibrant, welcoming hub of Henshaws Arts and Craft Centre, this workshop offers a supportive and creative atmosphere, ensuring you leave with a unique textile piece and the skills to explore this exciting craft further. Machine embroidery and reverse appliqué have roots in ancient textile traditions, with embroidery dating back to 3000 BC in Egypt and China, where it adorned garments and ceremonial objects. Reverse appliqué, also known as cutwork, emerged in cultures like India and Panama layering fabrics and cutting away sections to create bold, contrasting patterns. The invention of the sewing machine in the 19th century revolutionised embroidery, and free-motion techniques, enabled by dropping the feed dogs, allow for fluid, drawing-like stitching. Under Holly's guidance, you’ll master the essentials of free-motion machine embroidery and reverse appliqué, creating a unique portrait-themed fabric artwork. You’ll begin by learning to set up a sewing machine in free-motion mode (dropping the feed dogs) and using a darning/free-motion foot to stitch fluid, expressive lines. Holly will demonstrate reverse appliqué techniques, guiding you to layer fabrics and cut away sections to reveal colourful designs, creating depth and contrast. Using provided portrait templates or your own designs, you’ll build your artwork, experimenting with stitching patterns and fabric textures. Holly’s supportive approach ensures beginners feel confident, while experienced crafters can explore advanced detailing. All materials including fabrics, threads, needles and sewing machines are provided. Saturday 24th January 2026 10am-4pm with Holly Capstick This workshop takes place at: Henshaws Art & Crafts Centre 50 Bond End Knaresborough HG5 9AL Includes all materials, refreshments and lunch.
Cancellation Policy
All workshops are priced including VAT charged at 20%. By completing this purchase you are securing a place for a workshop or course which, unless stated, includes all materials, refreshments and lunch. We understand that plans can change, so we’ve outlined our cancellation and rescheduling policies for our residentials to ensure clarity and flexibility. At North Yorks Art School (NYAS), we incur a number of costs as soon as a booking is made — including venue, tutor, bank charges and administration fees. Unfortunately, due to the increasing number of cancellations, we now need to pass on a portion of these costs to customers when cancellations occur. Rescheduling Your Booking You can reschedule your booking up to 8 weeks before the start date of your workshop free of charge — (subject to availability). Reschedules outside of this time will be subject to a 10% booking fee. We will confirm the change in writing and transfer your place accordingly. Cancellations & Refunds If you choose to cancel your booking rather than reschedule, the following cancellation fees will apply: Over 6 Months 90% refund 4 to 6 months 80% refund 2 to 4 months 70% refund 31 to 60 days 50% refund 30 days or less No refund Refunds will be processed to your original payment method within 3–5 business days once the cancellation is confirmed. Your Right to Cancel (Cooling-Off Period) If you live in the UK or EU, you are entitled to a 14-day cancellation window from the date of booking. Within this period, you may cancel for a full refund without providing a reason. To exercise this right, contact us at info@bookaclass.org within the 14-day period. Refunds will be processed to your original payment method. For all booking-related enquiries, rescheduling requests or cancellations, please email: info@bookaclass.org