Create a textured punch needle embroidered portrait of yourself, a loved one, or a favourite pet. 

In this unique and creative workshop, you’ll bring a personal story to life through the art of punch needle embroidery. Using a favourite photo as your starting point, you’ll design and stitch a textured portrait of yourself, someone you love, or even a beloved pet.

You’ll learn how to trace and simplify your photo into a clear outline, transfer it onto monks cloth, and use the punch needle tool to layer in texture and detail using richly coloured wool yarn.

Whether you prefer a realistic approach using true-to-life colours, or want to go bold and abstract, you’ll have the creative freedom to style your portrait however you like. We provide a curated range of colours, though if you have something specific in mind—especially for skin tones—you’re welcome to BYO yarn. We recommend 12–14 ply wool.

This all-day workshop is perfect for confident crafters or embroidery lovers looking to explore a more personal and advanced textile art project. Punch needle offers a calming, controlled process—ideal for seated makers who love texture, detail, and slow crafting.

What You Will Learn:

• How to trace and simplify a portrait for embroidery
• How to transfer your design to backing cloth
• Essential punch needle techniques for line work, texture, and shading
• Finishing ideas to transform your piece into a lasting work of art

What You’ll Take Home:

• A punch needle portrait (completed or in progress)
• A premium Oxford #10 Regular Punch Needle
• A 12" No-Slip Hoop
• Monks cloth for your portrait
• Wool yarns in a variety of colours
• Guidance on sourcing finishing materials (e.g. framing options, cushion panels, wall art)

Class Details:

• Duration: 6 hours (10am – 4pm)
• Venue: Made by Me Workshop, 100A May Street, St Peters, NSW 2044
• Includes:
  • All materials and tools (including take-home punch needle and hoop)
  • A light vegetarian lunch, morning tea,
  • and bottomless tea and coffee
  • Please let us know of any dietary requirements ahead of time

Photo Guidelines:

• Ideally black and white, with strong contrast (so details are clear)
• Sized to fit within a 12” (30cm) circular hoop, with a 1cm margin around the edge
• Focus on the face only (neck up)—no full-body images
• Front-facing photos work bestNo cropping—the entire head and face should be visible
• A photo without a background (or with minimal background detail) works best for tracing

If you’re unsure whether your photo will work, you’re welcome to email it to us up to one week before the class at support@madebymeworkshop.com. We’re happy to help, but please try to follow these guidelines as closely as possible to make the most of your workshop time.

Who It’s For:

This workshop is designed for crafters who want to make something meaningful, personal, and deeply creative. Whether you’re an experienced embroiderer or a confident beginner, you’ll walk away with new skills, a beautiful piece of art, and a renewed appreciation for slow textile work.

Cancellation Policy: Due to the limited number of spaces in our workshops, all bookings are final and strictly non-refundable. You can reschedule your class with up to 7 days notice. Bookings that are rescheduled with less than 7 days notice will incur a $50 rescheduling fee, rescheduling with less than 24 hours notice will result in a cancellation without the possibility of a refund. If future workshop dates or times are not suitable, you can use the value of your booking toward another workshop but we ask that you rebook within 6 months of your original booking. You are welcome to send someone else in your place if you can't make it on the day. We reserve the right to cancel classes if minimum numbers are not met in which case we will offer to reschedule or a full refund.