Deborah Wilding

Stitch and Co

Embroiderer | Clevedon, United Kingdom

Stitching and teaching historical embroidery

Deborah masters a huge variety of embroidery techniques
Passionate about history, she is also a teacher at the Royal School of Needlework
Her embroidery kits help amateurs to refine their practice

Deborah Wilding is a renowned British hand embroider specialised in historical works, with an all-round technical mastery and an in-depth knowledge of the historical roots of her craft. From medieval works to the arts and crafts movement at the turn of the 20th century. In 2015 she founded her own business, Stitch & Co., providing teaching, conservation and restoration services and producing hand embroidery pieces on commission. Deborah defines herself as a life-long learner. In her practice she focuses on the learning process, both as a student herself and as a teacher, on her own or within the programmes of the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court Palace.

Interview

©Deborah Wilding

Did you learn your craft from within your family?: No, I found my way on my own to become an embroiderer, which had been my passion since the age of six. After university, I worked as a cartographer for years, and it was not until after the birth of my children that I started retraining at the Royal School of Needlework.
How is your new life as a craftswoman?: I have my own studio Stich & Co. where I work on my pieces – private commissions, replicas, restorations – and I hold classes. I also teach in several programmes at the Royal School of Needlework and I create embroidery kits that are sold online. Both teaching and learning are essential to me.
Which are the key skills to become a hand embroiderer?: You must be passionate about colours and materials, but above all an embroider must master a variety of techniques which require great patience and accuracy. The enjoyment of the historical aspects is important too, as it opens the door to exciting projects with museums and cultural institutions.
As a teacher, what do you find most rewarding?: The true joy to me is not only passing on my skills but getting the most out of people. To help them excel beyond their expectations. I am a life-long learner myself so I enjoy this experience in both directions.

Deborah Wilding is a master artisan: she began her career in 2010 and she started teaching in 2012