Step into a world of whimsy in this immersive, hands-on Fabric Butterfly Sculpture workshop. Students will design and construct a fantastical, large-scale textile butterfly. Whether you’re a seasoned fiber artist or just beginning your creative journey, this class encourages experimentation, curiosity, and the freedom to develop ideas for future textile work.

No fancy supplies are needed—just imagination and a willingness to explore. Using basic sewing stitches, wire, black cord, colorful reclaimed fabrics, and freehand embroidery, you’ll create a richly textured fiber sculpture full of character and charm, entirely your own.

We’ll begin with a large-scale drawing of a butterfly, each wing will be transferred onto a cotton fabric base set in an embroidery hoop. From there, you’ll build and stitch a wire framework directly onto the fabric. Working from your original drawing, like a puzzle, you’ll layer and stitch fabric pieces onto the wire structure using simple hand-sewing techniques, gradually transforming the surface into a butterfly form.

Once you’ve added all your fabric, essential embroidery stitches—including backstitch, running stitch, seed stitch, and French knots—will be demonstrated and used to embellish and enhance your sculpture. Once the wings are complete, they’ll be cut out and assembled with wire. Additional fabric and fiber will be used to create and attach the butterfly’s body, bringing the piece fully to life.

By the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with a one-of-a-kind, everlasting butterfly sculpture—perfect for displaying on a wall, brightening your home, or sparking inspiration for your next fiber art adventure.