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Since the days when folklore and events were hand stitched into massive tapestries as a way to preserve them for posterity, to countless corporate logos on uniforms today, embroidery is stitched into social history in the UK.For many people, this is textile art and just as meaningful as brushstrokes on canvas. A good example of this is the array of...

Embroidery has a long and diverse history, and at Stocks Sewing we love to see it celebrated. Historically used in stately homes as artwork, in medieval tapestries to tell stories and to embellish and accentuate clothing, it has more recently become visible on both the big and small screen. Here we look at how one TV show, in particular, has ...

When students go on to higher education, they should feel confident that they’re chosen subject will educate them on the full range of topics included in that field. When it comes to fashion and design, the practical craft skills needed to put together a garment are just as critical as the vision.  With many students coming out of education ...

We are often told that we should be more green, both at home and at work. While this is something that is easy to overlook, it can be hugely beneficial, not just for the environment but for business as well. Taking on a more eco-friendly approach can be cost effective and it can improve your public image as customers see your efforts in helping the...

Warm weather and sunny skies typically mark the summer season, with plenty of time to spend outdoors and bask in the sunshine. We’ve gathered our top five embroidery patterns for summer, in time for some outdoor stitching – perhaps at the beach, watching the waves hit the shore. So, what embroidery patterns can be chosen to create the ideal ...

Sewing machines have been around for centuries, facilitating lengthy sewing work. Seams that can now be done in mere minutes used to take a long period of time as they had to be done by hand. Professional seamstresses and tailors conducted these works, especially making clothing for the person wearing them. Technological developments ensured that ...

Ever since the Neolithic age, Chinese embroidery has stood the test of time. Its fabrics have been made using the superior quality of silk fibres ever since the origin of the practice, which dates back nearly 5000-6000 years in China, the first real sample of which was discovered in a tomb from the Zhanguo period (c.5th-3rd century BC).  ...

The weather is getting warmer and warmer and summer is just around the corner! Because of this, it is important to start thinking about the best fabrics for this season – heavy fabrics are to be avoided, as well as dark colours, as they can make you (or your clients) feel uncomfortable and sweaty. Knowing which fabrics are the best ones for ...

When starting to learn any new skill, the road to mastering sewing can feel long or even impossible at times. However, learning where you are going wrong can almost be as helpful as learning the ins and outs of the skills themselves. As, if you know what you’re doing wrong, you can more easily sew in the right way. So, what are some of the most ...

Spring can be a time for reflection and relaxing. Spending time on your hobby or even your profession can be a great way to spend some time on yourself during this time of the year. If you’re ready for some spring stitching, we have a countdown of 5 of our favourite spring-time patterns. So as the flowers are blooming, the lambs are leaping and ...