Susannah Weiland

Embroiderer

Painting with thread

Susannah is a self-taught hand embroidery artist
Her grandmother introduced her to the craft
She is inspired by the landscapes of the UK and the nature surrounding her

In her embroidery, Susannah Weiland stitches figurative and abstract illustrations to create vibrant, textured wall art and surfaces for interiors. Her distinctive style merges her two favourite mediums – tonal pencil drawing with colourful hand-embroidery techniques. Susannah's approach brings a visual richness to contemporary embroidery by offering a modern take on an age-old art form. She creates a unique interplay between fine art and textile work, pushing the boundaries of her craft. Through her practice, Susannah aims to inspire greater appreciation for the beauty of hand embroidery. "I aim to celebrate the patience and skill involved in slow, intentional craftsmanship," she explains. Susannah received a QEST scholarship to study goldwork at the Royal School of Needlework.

Interview

What led you to embroidery?: My grandmother introduced me to hand embroidery as a child. She enjoyed working on embroidery kits, and I was captivated by the delicate stitches forming beautiful designs. I rediscovered embroidery after more than 20 years as a textile and graphic designer, and fell in love with the process all over again. It became a way to bring my drawings to life, layering colour and texture stitch by stitch.
What specific techniques have you mastered?: I specialise in silk shading embroidery, using delicate stitchwork to add colour and texture to my drawings. In my abstract pieces, I create striking textural contrasts by stitching French knots with a variety of threads and wools. This adds depth and dimension, contrasting the smooth surface of leather.
What does your creative process look like?: I choose a theme for a collection, then I do some research and take photographs to capture images for inspiration. For my figurative pieces, I create detailed tonal pencil drawings on paper, which I scan and digitally print onto fabric. I then hand-embroider colour and intricate details into the animals, birds and figures. In my abstract work, I explore texture and contrast to create depth and dimension. I do this by experimenting with different threads and colour combinations before stitching into leather.
In what way is your craft linked to where you live?: Being based in the UK, just outside London, my work is influenced by the landscapes and nature that surround me. The UK has a long history of embroidery, from traditional hand-stitched tapestries to contemporary textile art. I see my practice as a continuation of this legacy.

Susannah Weiland is a rising star: she began her career in 2016