As the name implies, this group looks at different methods of decorating and manipulating textiles. The focus is on hand and machine embroidery, printing on fabric and experimenting with ways to colour and shape fabrics. Please note that it does not include knitting, crochet or quilting. We also have occasional visits to textile exhibitions and places to gather inspiration for our projects. All abilities welcome!

This is a popular group and we have had quite a few new members. It is very difficult to run this group with too many people, so unfortunately we now have a waiting list. Please get in touch if you would like to go on the list and we will let you know when there is a place for you.

Creative Textiles Programme 2025-26

Date	Topic
4 September	Manipulating Fabric We will try out different methods of manipulating fabric to give some depth and interest to the surface of your work.
2 October	Purple & Knotted Stitches Create a page for your sketchbook using the colour purple and knotted stitches (French knots, bullion stitch and pistil stitch)
6 November	Group Visit to Forge Mill Needle Museum Needles through the ages: a guided tour of the Museum to learn how needles used to be made followed by a visit to a modern needle factory nearby. We will also have the chance to visit the temporary exhibition, Creative Approaches. For those who wish to stay longer, it is possible to wander through the ruins of Bordesley Abbey. Places must be booked in advance.
4 December	Christmas Stitching Stitch a Bargello bauble or make a cathedral window.
8 January	The Bayeux Tapestry The Bayeux Tapestry will be on display in the UK, in Autumn 2026, for the first time since it was created 1000 years ago. We will have a go at the stitches used in the tapestry and create our own motifs.
5 February	Maps Using maps as inspiration for our work.
5 March	Coloured Fabric Backgrounds Have a go with painted Bondaweb and Inktense to create a coloured background for your work.
2 April	Water Banners We will be undertaking a large collaborative project to create banners celebrating the beauty of a healthy river Severn. The banners will be on display on the outside of St Anne's Church in the centre of Bewdley throughout the summer.
7 May	Water Banners Create banners to celebrate the beauty of a healthy river. The banners will form a public display on the exterior of St Anne’s Church, Bewdley throughout the 2026 River Festival.
4 June	Water Banners Create banners to celebrate the beauty of a healthy river. The banners will form a public display on the exterior of St Anne’s Church, Bewdley throughout the 2026 River Festival. This meeting will be free of charge and open to others as part of SustFest 2026.
2 July	Textiles of the Northeast and Southwest Explore textile techniques from two regions of England as we prepare to put on a display at the multicultural month meeting at the Harriers Social Club in September.
August	No meeting

Useful Links

The Museum of Carpet

Forge Mill Needle Museum

Textile Artist