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Meredith Woolnough

Embroidered art for nature lovers

  • Home
  • GALLERY
  • About
    • About
    • Blog
    • Exhibitions
    • Commissions
    • Videos
    • Press
  • Courses
  • SHOP
  • Originals
  • Prints
  • Contact
GezXavierMansfieldPhotography2015-84.jpg IMG_5227.JPG details2.jpg 150312-184322-5M3_2927-Edit 1000.jpg details1.jpg Installing-scribbly-gum-leaf-web.jpg

About

Meredith is a professional artist and educator working out of her studio in Newcastle Australia.

Her sculptural embroideries are an exploration of art, science and nature. The embroideries are created using a unique freehand embroidery technique that utilises a domestic sewing machine and a fabric that dissolves in water.

The work explores the beauty and fragility of nature, sparking a sense of wonder and appreciation of the natural world. Meredith believes that the deeper our appreciation for the aesthetics of nature the more eager we are to immerse ourselves in it and conserve it.

Meredith has exhibited and sold her work worldwide, is the author of two books ‘Organic Embroidery’ (2018) and ‘The 100 Embroideries Project (2023) and teaches both in person and online classes.

Click Here to read her full CV

FAQ’s

How are artworks made?

My artworks are made using an unique embroidery technique known as ‘freehand machine embroidery. This technique essentially allows you to draw with your sewing machine and it is a lot of fun. I stitch onto a water soluble base fabric that is washed away once the design is complete leaving only the stitched drawing behind. The remaining embroidery is often shaped and moulded to give it a more three dimensional form.

To display the work I have developed a mounting technique that I refer to as ‘shadow mounting’. This technique makes the work appear to float above the surface creating delicate shadows and showing off the lightness of the embroidery itself.

How did you learn this type of embroidery?

I first discovered this way of working during my fine art studies at university in the early 2000’s. Captivated by the creative and sculptural possibilities of the technique I made it the focus of my honours year and spent a year experimenting and playing with ways to draw and sculpt with thread. I was largely self taught and I made lots of mistakes in the early days, but I also learnt so much about this wonderful process and its raw potential for art making. During that fateful year of focused study I developed the ground work for my art making practice and I work in much the same way today.

Is your work for sale?

Yes. Click here to learn more about purchasing original works.

Do you take on commissions?

Yes. I love to create bespoke pieces. Click here to learn more about commissioning an artwork.

Can I learn from you?

Yes you can. I teach in person workshops and also online courses. Click here for more information about my various courses. I also have a book available ‘Organic Embroidery’ where I share my processes and techniques.

 
 
 
Have you ever wanted to learn freehand machine embroidery? Here is your chance. 

My FREE intro course has been taken by over 10,000 students so far (wow 😳) spreading the love for this wonderful, creative way of using a sewing machine. 

Head to the
People often ask me what my favourite tool is. 

Many assume it would be my sewing machine’s (and don’t get me wrong, I love my machines). But my favourite tool is a good pair of embroidery scissors. Nothing is more satisfying than a good
Time to take a break human! 
Scout knows best 🤣

#catsofinstagram #sculpturalembroidery
Little experiments and light in the studio 🍃

#sculpturalembroidery #meredithwoolnough
I feel like the colour combo of this coral embroidery and my shirt was a very happy accident. 

#sculpturalembroidery #meredithwoolnough #coralembroidery
I have been working away on a free little mini course for the last few months and I can’t wait to share it with you. 

The ‘Scrap Thread Bowl’ activity is quick, fun, beginner friendly and a great introduction to the materials and t
Colour test dots. I have a bunch of these from years of testing out various thread colour combos. One day I will think of something fun to do with them. For now they are giving confetti vibes 🔴🔵🟢🟣🟡

#sculpturalembroidery #meredithwoolnough #colo

© Meredith Woolnough 2025. All rights reserved.