Stamp & Stitch Session

Stamp & Stitch workshops combine simple fabric printing techniques with embroidery, creating a playful, hands-on session where participants explore pattern, texture, and stitching together. The process starts with printing directly onto fabric using inks, stamps, and natural materials, before adding stitching to build up the design.

These workshops offer something a little different. They sit between printing and embroidery, encouraging experimentation and creative play, while still being guided and beginner-friendly. Stamp & Stitch sessions are ideal for groups who want time to explore ideas, try something new, and enjoy a more open-ended creative experience.

Who This Workshop Is For

Stamp & Stitch workshops work particularly well for:

  • Community groups and residential buildings
  • Arts and cultural organisations
  • Smaller groups who enjoy experimenting and learning together
  • People who have tried embroidery or printing before and want to explore further
  • Groups who are ready for something a little more exploratory

While beginners are very welcome, these sessions suit groups who can give themselves the time and space to play and experiment

What the Session Involves

Each workshop follows a clear but flexible structure. Participants begin by learning simple fabric printing techniques, using stamps, inks, and often natural materials such as leaves or flowers. In shorter sessions, this might involve printing a simple shape or motif, such as an initial or seasonal form, and then stitching around or into it.

In longer sessions, printing is used to create layered backgrounds that participants then build on with embroidery. Everyone learns several techniques, giving plenty of scope for individual interpretation. Even when working to a shared theme, the outcomes are always varied and personal.

The combination of printing and stitching keeps the session lively and engaging, with a natural shift from playful experimentation to quieter, more focused making.

Format & Timing Options

Stamp & Stitch workshops are longer by design and work best with dedicated time.

Typical formats include:

  • Workshops lasting 90 minutes or more
  • Longer sessions that allow deeper exploration
  • Small group settings, usually up to around 15 participants, with some flexibility

This workshop is not suitable as a drop-in format, as the techniques benefit from clear guidance and time to explore.

This workshop works particularly well in visible spaces such as foyers or communal areas, where people can see what others are making and feel encouraged to join in.

Teaching Approach & Creative Freedom

These sessions are structured enough to feel supportive, but open enough to encourage curiosity. I guide the group through each stage, from printing to stitching, while offering choices in materials, techniques, and layout.

Participants often try ideas I haven’t demonstrated, which is very much encouraged. The focus is on exploration rather than getting things “right”, allowing people to loosen up creatively and enjoy the process.

What Participants Leave With

People often leave Stamp & Stitch workshops saying things like:

  • “I loved that”
  • “I’m going to try this again at home”
  • “I’ll be looking at everything as a stamp now”

Participants leave with:

  • New creative techniques they can continue exploring
  • Increased confidence in experimenting with materials
  • A stitched and printed piece they’ve developed themselves
  • A sense of creative energy and curiosity
  • A beginner embroidery kit, to continue their creativity at home

Past Workshops & Experience

Stamp & Stitch workshops have been delivered in studios, community spaces, and arts settings where groups have dedicated time and space to explore. This format often works well for groups who either need a gentle loosening-up or are ready to take their creativity a step further.

The workshop has evolved through repeated delivery, shaped by how people naturally play, experiment, and respond to combining printing and stitching.

Location & Availability

I’m based in Manchester and deliver workshops across Greater Manchester, the North West, and beyond. Sessions can take place at your venue, or I can help you think through what kind of space would work best.

Advance booking is recommended, particularly during busy periods such as Valentine’s Day, International Women’s Day, Mental Health Awareness Week, and Christmas.

Pricing Guide

I price workshops in a clear, straightforward way so it’s easy to understand what’s included.

  • Workshops start from £160, which covers planning, preparation, and delivery of the session
  • Materials are priced per participant, typically around £5 per person, depending on the workshop and materials used

Final costs may vary slightly depending on group size, format, location, and any bespoke design work, but I’ll always confirm pricing clearly in advance.

If you’re working to a particular budget, I’m very happy to talk this through and suggest options that fit.

Booking & Next Steps

If you're ready to book your Hoop & Fred workshop drop me an email at hoopandfred@gmail.com or use the contact form below. To get the ball rolling and help me plan the perfect session for you, let me know:

  • How many people you're looking to book for
  • Your Location (or if you need help finding a venue)
  • If you have a set design in mind, or a theme you are working with
  • When you are hoping to host the session
Or exlpore more workshop options

Get in touch to book