Chicken Scratch Workshop with Carolyn Forster

Start time: Friday 6th November 2026 at 10:00am
End time: Friday 6th November 2026 at 4:00pm
Location: Shirehampton Public Hall, 32 Station Road, Shirehampton, Bristol, BS11 9TX, United Kingdom
Online: No
More information: Click here

Step back in time and rediscover a beautifully simple yet striking embroidery technique in the upcoming Chicken Scratch workshop with the wonderfully inspiring Carolyn Forster.

In this hands-on workshop, Carolyn will guide you through the essentials of Chicken Scratch, showing you how to bring this vintage craft right up to date. You’ll explore a variety of stitches and patterns while working on your own gingham sample pieces, discovering how each stitch interacts with the fabric to create texture, contrast, and design.

This is a relaxed and creative class, perfect for anyone who enjoys hand stitching – whether you’re completely new or looking to expand your embroidery skills. With Carolyn’s collection of samples and inspiration to draw from, you’ll be encouraged to experiment and develop your own unique designs.

Expect a fun, friendly atmosphere, plenty of inspiration, and the joy of slowing down with needle and thread.

Event details:

Friday 6th November 2026
10am – 4pm
Shirehampton Public Hall, 32 Station Road, Shirehampton, Bristol, BS11 9TX
£65 per person (includes tea and coffee)
Please fill out this google form here to book

Material requirements:

You can pre-cut your fabrics, but if cutting in class you will need to bring:

Thread snips/scissors
Fabric scissors
Thimbles (if you use them)
Embroidery needles of preference (Carolyn uses size 6) and needle threader if you use one. Chenille needles size 22 or 24 are a popular choice too.
6in/8in embroidery hoop (optional)
Stranded cotton embroidery thread (floss) to match the light and dark squares of your fabric

Gingham Fabrics:

1/4″ (6mm) woven gingham will work best, even weave. Carolyn works on 10in size pieces for her samples. These can then be put together as a QAYG (quilt as you go) quilt. For this you will need per block: wadding 10in square and backing fabric 10in square.
Neutral sewing thread and a needle.

Materials if you’d like to make the Chicken Scratch hoops:

1 x 5in square of 1/4″ Gingham (per ornament)
Stranded embroidery cotton in colours to co-ordinate with the ribbon and/or the gingham
1x 4in square gingham for the backing (Carolyn uses the same as she used on the front
1x 4in square Iron pelmet Buckram as lining (Carolyn can supply this at a cost)
Fabric for binding and hanging: 1 1/2in x width of fabric (in this case 54in)
Wonder clips, medium
Sewing thread for gathering stitches
3in diameter embroidery hoop, bamboo/wood

All-New Twenty To Make: Chicken Scratch Embroidery

Learn how to stitch 20 gorgeous gingham embroidery designs with best-selling author, Carolyn Forster.

Discover simple stitches and stunning designs for the perfect on-the-go embroidery project.

All-New Twenty To Make: Chicken Scratch Embroidery (RRP £6.99) is available from Search Press, Amazon and all good booksellers!