Cross-stitch a Star!

When you hear cross-stitch, you might think of antique samplers, but think again! This flexible technique can be a simple and fun way to add embellishments to clothes and cloth, as well as making framable designs, of course. In this introductory class you will learn the basic technique of cross-stitching by creating a star motif that is based on patterns from Romanian blouses. The star pattern symbolizes 'the bright path ahead', a beacon of hope.

No prior embroidery experience necessary! We will cover threading our needle, reading a pattern, starting our design, stitching rows and columns, stitching diagonal lines, and finishing up our motif. While we stitch, we will also learn a bit about this particular pattern, and how cross-stitch has been used across time and cultures. We'll also talk about materials and other ways you might want to use cross-stitch in your craft practice. Join us to learn a new skill, or to enjoy the meditative act of stitching together.

• learn basic embroidery skills such as threading a needle and reading a pattern
• learn how to cross-stitch rows, columns, and diagonal lines
• create a small motif that can be used on its own or as part of a larger design
• learn about the material we are using, and what other materials are often used so you can take your skills beyond this introductory class
• learn about the origin of this particular motif, similar motifs in other cultures, and some of the rich history of the cross-stitch technique

Aida cloth, thread (pearlé cotton), tapestry needle, instruction sheet

Just bring yourself and your love of learning!

All ages welcome, but students under 18 should have an adult present

Kat Lombard-Cook is a designer, educator and researcher. For over twenty years she has used a variety of visual media from film to fiber to tell stories. Her embroidery practice centers on foregrounding the value of craft, and preserving practices and knowledge for future generations. Kat is a Massachusetts native, but spent six years studying abroad at the Glasgow School of Art and the Edinburgh College of Art in Scotland. As a life-long-learner, she loves to learn new techniques and share them with others through her teaching.

See Kat's work on display in the exhibition Iterations: Perseverance of Craft at Gallery A2, from 11/8/2025 - 1/18/2026.