Forget perfect. Start stitching what feels good.
Rebel Threads is a creative stitching course for anyone who wants to let go of perfection and rediscover the joy of slow stitching.
Instead of rules and rigid techniques, you’ll explore colour, texture, and design in your own way - slow stitching pieces that are personal, playful, and deeply satisfying.
Across five versatile projects, you’ll learn how to:
✅ Hand-stitch a raw-edged waistcoat using simple stitches with plenty of room to make it your own.
✅ Slow stitch one-of-a-kind collars and cuffs.
✅ Explore fabric collage and create a book cover with improvisational techniques or floral stitching patterns.
✅ Learn how to design your own slow stitched patterns and experiment with endless combinations of thread and fabric.
✅ Explore hand-stitched lettering to bring your favourite quotes, words, or statements to life.
Each project includes step-by-step guidance, patterns, and demonstrations, but the beauty of Rebel Threads & Raw Edges is you can mix and match techniques, experiment freely, and adapt everything to suit your style.
This course is more than making: it’s about giving yourself permission to play, experiment, and embrace imperfection.
Whether you’re neat or messy, structured or spontaneous, Rebel Threads & Raw Edges will help you slow stitch with confidence and joy.
What you can make
What you will learn
- Introduction to the Stitch Library (1:06)
- Choosing threads (2:35)
- Starting and finishing knots (2:27)
- Running stitch (4:53)
- blanket stitch (3:39)
- Couching in a straight line (4:41)
- Couching on a curve (4:03)
- French knots (2:59)
- Introduction into stitches for stems (0:51)
- Back stitch (2:38)
- Running and weaving stitch (1:59)
- Stem stitch (3:06)
- Fly stitch (2:20)
- Extended fly stitch (3:25)
- Lazy Daisy stitch - flower (4:03)
- Double cross stitch - flower (4:08)
- Stitch for a rose (4:43)
- Lazy Daisy stitch for a leaf (5:31)
- Satin stitch for a leaf (5:41)
- Fly stitch for a leaf (3:27)
- Fishbone stitch for a leaf (3:27)
- Couching with a long tail french knot (5:09)
- Couching & straight stitch (3:41)
- Introduction to making pattens on graph or dot patter (1:53)
- Design your own pattern (6:20)
- 1 Create your own pattern - fly stitch (5:20)
- 2 Create your own pattern - mirror image (2:10)
- 3 Create your own pattern - 2nd colour (3:01)
- 4 Create your own pattern - French knot (2:23)
- 5 Create your own pattern - cross stitch (2:13)
- Make a pattern cuff (2:18)
- Introduction to the waistcoat (2:10)
- Cutting out the waistcoat (3:56)
- Assembling the waistcoat (3:10)
- basting or tacking the waistcoat (4:07)
- The stitched waistcoat (2:57)
- Waistcoat - overhead view (1:53)
- Trimming after washing the waistcoat (2:29)
- Waistcoat cutting guide
- Fabric required and size chart - waistcoat
- Pattern for waistcoat
- 1 Bookcover Intro (2:14)
- 2 book cover collage - how I do it (5:32)
- 2 part 2 bookcover - glueing and adding (3:00)
- 3 Bookcover - layering and stitching (3:11)
- 4 Bookcover turning in the edges (1:46)
- 5 bookcover - positioning for book flaps (3:53)
- 6 bookcover - stitching the bookflaps (5:57)
- Garden bookcover (2:08)
- Bookcover Pattern
- Garden bookcover embroidery guide
- Garden bookcover colour image
- Garden bookcover - what you will need
Your Instructor
Ruth Woods is a dedicated and experienced professional in the arts and crafts sector, having devoted over 30 years to teaching in this field. She founded Craft School Oz a decade ago, providing a platform for individuals to learn and explore their creativity.
Recently, Ruth has expanded her offerings through an online school, offering a variety of workshops focused on basketry and slow stitching. Her latest achievement includes the publication of a popular book titled "Finding Form with Fibre," which highlights the work of talented artists and explores different basketry techniques. Ruth's genuine passion for her craft and commitment to sharing her knowledge inspire and empower aspiring artists worldwide.