Our Heritage Workshops
Scroll down to see the 2019 programme and book a Duttons for Buttons Heritage Workshop.
Learn a new, contemporary needlecraft skill and the history behind it.
Under the guidance of our highly skilled teachers, our hands-on programme of workshops dips into a wide range of historic stitching periods, from Medieval appliqué and Regency embroidery to Victorian cross stitch.
The workshops are from 10am to 4pm once a month under the dramatic beamed ceiling of our medieval shop at 32 Coppergate, York YO1 9NR.
Each workshop costs £50 (or £90 for two workshops booked at the same time) including all the necessary materials and a 10% discount voucher to spend in the shop.
To reserve a place, please complete the relevant form below and our staff will be in touch to confirm your place and arrange payment.
Old English Patchwork Quilting
Master the addictive hand-craft of paper-piecing patchwork quilting and the history behind it. Apply what you’ve learnt by making an English rose pin cushion from hexagons of quintessentially English Liberty Print fabric. Take away this perfect Mother’s Day gift along with the confidence to apply your new skill set to your own, larger projects. Taught by textile artist Helen Barnes.
20 March 2019
10am – 4pm
‘70s Macramé
Rediscover this ancient knotting craft, a ’70s craze that’s once again taking the UK by storm. Make a plant-hanger for Spring bulbs and learn patterns to apply to garments, jewellery, wall hangings, throws and more. Taught by textile designer Alice Richardson.
10 April 2019
10am – 4pm
1940s Vintage Flower Designs
Admire 1940s vintage flower and crinoline lady’s embroidery designs. Study the motifs and sew with stitches such as lazy daisy stitch, backstitch, chainstitch and French knots. Create a lavender bag to hang in your wardrobe and help protect your precious woollens. Taught by textile artist Helen Barnes.
8 May 2019
10am – 4pm
Timeless Beadwork
Haute-couture textile designer and London School of Fashion teacher Alice Richardson gives practical lessons in the fabulous beading techniques she uses to adorn cat-walk garments, silver-screen costumes and the latest must-have accessories. Taught by textile designer Alice Richardson.
12June 2019
10am – 4pm
1960s Visible Mending & Patches
Up-cycle fashion and furnishings with visible mending, hand stitching, darning, appliqué and patches. Bring a garment or cushion to transform, or make decorative on-trend denim patches to apply at home. Learn a range of hand-stitches to create your own, unique design. Taught by textile artist Helen Barnes.
10 July 2019
10am – 4pm
Medieval Hand Appliqué
Learn about the motifs of York Minster heraldry. Create a jewellery pouch in felt and cotton fabrics (raw and turned under) using appliqué techniques with a range of hand-stitches. Embellish with beads and finish off the pouch with a handmade cord. Taught by textile artist Helen Barnes.
7 August 2019
10am – 4pm
Arts & Crafts Tapestry
Look at the tradition of tapestry in the Arts and Crafts movement and the designs of William Morris. Work on a bird or flower motif using tent stitch and cross-stitch and perhaps make a start on a larger piece to work on as the nights begin to draw in. Taught by textile artist Helen Barnes.
11 September 2019
10am – 4pm
Durham Hand-Quilting
This workshop introduces the rich heritage of the quilts designed and made in the mining villages of northern England. Discover the history and people behind these ‘whole cloth’ quilts and learn about the Weardale chain, feather cable, lovers knot, rose templates and other designs inspired by nature. Then use old pennies to design and create your own, unique hand-quilted cushion cover. Taught by textile artist Helen Barnes.
9 October 2019
10am – 4pm
Chunky Knits & York's Medieval Wool Trade
Learn about the medieval wool trade of York and use the latest on-trend wools to knit a unique designer-scarf. Acquire the skills to cast on, cast off, knit, purl, rib, stocking stitch, garter stitch, moss stitch and a simple cable. Create tassels and pom-poms to decorate. Taught by textile artist Helen Barnes.
23 October 2019
10am – 4pm
Victorian Cross-Stitch Samplers
Rich or poor, Victorian girls and ladies applied themselves to making samplers, some for pleasure, others to develop skills to turn into a livelihood. Sew a cross-stitch card or sampler from our wide selection at Dutton for Button’s or create a design for Christmas. Taught by textile artist Helen Barnes.
13 November 2019
10am – 4pm
Viking Gold
Look at beautiful Viking goldwork and interpret the motifs in gold thread. Using an embroidery hoop, embellish Celtic designs, stars or snowflakes with beads, sequins and jewels to create a festive decoration. Taught by textile artist Helen Barnes.
4 December 2019
10am – 4pm
Brontë Needle Roll & Regency Embroidery
Sew a needle roll just like Charlotte Brontë’s and study Regency embroidery patterns and designs. Learn a range of hand-stitches and personalise your roll with lace, ribbon and beads in the tradition of 19th century ladies. Taught by textile artist Helen Barnes.
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