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Looking for an embroidery workshop for Windrush Weekend? Join me for a relaxing, beginner-friendly raffia embroidery workshop in London, where you’ll learn my raffia embroidery technique and create your own tropical hoop art to take home.
Windrush Day takes place every year on 22 June, marking the anniversary of the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush at Tilbury Docks in 1948 and honouring the Windrush Generation, their descendants, their contributions and their ongoing legacy in Britain.
For me, Windrush is not only a moment in history, but a personal source of inspiration. I’m a fashion designer and textile artist specialising in raffia embroidery, inspired by traditional Caribbean crafts and the Windrush Generation. My work honours my Caribbean heritage and pays tribute to my Caribbean grandparents.
This Windrush Weekend, my raffia embroidery workshop offers a thoughtful way to slow down, get creative and connect with Caribbean-inspired craft through making.
Table of contents
What Is a Raffia Embroidery Workshop? When is the Next Embroidery Workshop? Why Join an Embroidery Workshop for Windrush Weekend? A Beginner-Friendly Embroidery Workshop in London What Makes Raffia Embroidery Special? A Creative Way to Honour Caribbean Heritage Who Is This Workshop For? Book a Raffia Embroidery Workshop for Windrush Weekend Raffia Embroidery Workshop Offers Can't get to the workshop? About the teacher Watch me on Sewing Street
What Is a Raffia Embroidery Workshop?
A raffia embroidery workshop is a hands-on creative session where you learn how to stitch with raffia to create textured embroidery artwork. In my workshop, you’ll learn the basics of raffia embroidery and make your own tropical hoop art using natural and paper raffia in a choice of colours.
The workshop is designed for beginners, so you do not need any previous embroidery experience. I’ll guide you through each step, from choosing your design to building up your stitches and textures.
You’ll be able to choose between two Caribbean-inspired designs:
- - A hibiscus flower
- - A tropical monstera leaf
All materials and equipment are provided, so you only need to bring yourself and an enthusiasm to try something new.
Why Join an Embroidery Workshop for Windrush Weekend?
Windrush Weekend is a time to remember, reflect and celebrate the legacy of Caribbean people who helped shape modern Britain. It is also an opportunity to honour the stories, creativity and cultural traditions passed down through families and communities.
A craft workshop can offer a gentle, meaningful way to connect with that legacy. Through stitching, you are invited to spend time with materials, colours and motifs inspired by Caribbean culture, while learning more about how craft can carry memory, identity and family history.
My work has long explored the relationship between Caribbean heritage, design and the Windrush Generation. In 2021, the London Museum acquired an outfit from my graduate collection to help tell the story of Windrush, and since 2023 I’ve led workshops for cultural institutions including the V&A and Somerset House.
This makes the workshop more than a simple craft class. It is a creative space where heritage, storytelling and making come together.
A Beginner-Friendly Embroidery Workshop in London
This embroidery workshop in London is suitable for complete beginners, including anyone who has never picked up an embroidery needle before.
During the two-hour session, you will:
- Learn the basics of raffia embroidery
- Work with natural and paper raffia
- Choose a hibiscus or monstera leaf design
- Create a finished or nearly finished hoop art piece
- Learn about Caribbean-inspired craft and design
- Enjoy a calm, creative morning or afternoon
If you do not finish your piece during the workshop, you will have everything you need to complete it at home.
The session is relaxed and mindful, making it a lovely activity to enjoy solo, with a friend, or as part of a creative weekend plan.
What Makes Raffia Embroidery Special?
Raffia is a natural fibre made from the leaves of the raffia palm tree. It is often used in fashion, accessories, craft and home décor because of its texture, flexibility and organic feel.
I first discovered raffia while designing my graduate collection in 2017. Inspired by the Windrush Generation and traditional Caribbean straw crafts, I began exploring raffia as a material that could echo the textures of Caribbean craft while being accessible to source in the UK.
In my raffia embroidery workshops, I teach participants how to use raffia to create bold, textured designs. It is a fun, calming and mindful way to explore embroidery with a distinctive material.
The Other Materials you'll use
A Creative Way to Honour Caribbean Heritage
Caribbean craft traditions are varied, layered and deeply connected to place, material and memory. Across different islands and communities, craft has often been shaped by what was available locally, from straw and plant fibres to textiles, colour and pattern.
My work draws inspiration from these traditions while creating something contemporary and personal. My raffia embroidery technique reflects my interest in Caribbean straw crafts, tropical motifs and the stories of the Windrush Generation.
For Windrush Weekend, this embroidery workshop offers a chance to honour that heritage in a way that feels creative, accessible and reflective. You’ll leave with a handmade piece of art, but also with a deeper appreciation of how craft can help preserve stories and spark conversation.
Who Is This Workshop For?
This workshop is perfect for:
- Beginners looking for an embroidery workshop in London
- Anyone interested in Caribbean-inspired craft
- People looking for a meaningful Windrush Weekend activity
- Friends or family wanting a creative day out
- Solo makers who want to try something new
- Craft lovers interested in raffia, texture and slow stitching
Public raffia embroidery workshops are small and welcoming, giving you plenty of time to ask questions and enjoy the process.
Corporate and group workshop enquiries are also available, and sessions can be adapted for larger groups.
Book a Raffia Embroidery Workshop for Windrush Weekend
Whether you are celebrating Windrush Weekend, looking for a calming craft activity, or searching for a beginner-friendly embroidery workshop, this session is a lovely way to spend a few hours making something by hand.
You’ll learn a new skill, explore Caribbean-inspired design, and create a textured hoop art piece that you can proudly display at home.
Book your place at my Raffia Embroidery Hoop Art Workshop in London and celebrate Windrush Weekend through creativity, craft and storytelling.
Raffia Embroidery Workshop Offers
Workshop tickets are £70 to £75 per person, depending on when and how you book.
When is the Next Embroidery Workshop?
Upcoming Raffia Embroidery Workshop Dates
Sat 20 Jun, 11am – 1pm
Sun 21 Jun, 10am – 12pm
Sat 11 July, 10am – 12pm
Sun 12 July, 11am – 1pm
Where is the embroidery workshop held in London?
My embroidery workshop is held in central London, not far from Waterloo station and just a few minutes’ walk from Lambeth North tube station. It’s a convenient location if you’re looking for a creative embroidery workshop in London.
The address is: The Chandlery at 50 Westminster Bridge Road
Can't get to the raffia embroidery workshop?
I love teaching at my raffia embroidery workshop, but I understand its not always possible to get to the location or that the dates don't work for you, but the good news is you can purchase a raffia embroidery kit and follow the step-by-step instructions to create your own raffia embroidery hoop at home. I also have my book, Raffia Embroidery, if you’d like even more projects and inspiration.
About the teacher
About Tihara Smith
Tihara is a fashion designer and textile artist passionate about design, the Caribbean and sharing the Windrush story. She loves creating distinctive pieces that allow people to have a little piece of the Caribbean 🌴✨
Watch me on Sewing Street
What is the best embroidery workshop for Windrush Weekend?
A raffia embroidery workshop is a meaningful choice for Windrush Weekend because it combines hands-on craft with Caribbean-inspired design and storytelling. In my workshop, I’ll teach you how to create tropical raffia embroidery hoop art while sharing more about Caribbean craft and heritage.
Do I need embroidery experience?
No, my workshop is beginner-friendly. I’ll guide you through the process step by step, and all materials are provided.
What will I make in the workshop?
You will create a piece of raffia embroidery hoop art. You can choose between a hibiscus flower or a tropical monstera leaf design.
What is Windrush Day?
Windrush Day is marked annually on 22 June. It honours the Windrush Generation and their descendants, recognising their contributions, sacrifices and legacy in Britain.
During my raffia embroidery workshop I will talk about my own personal connection and the link between the Caribbean and the raffia embroidery craft.
Is this workshop suitable for a group activity?
Yes, it’s a lovely activity to do with friends, family or colleagues. I also offer corporate and group workshop options by enquiry.
Can I come to the embroidery workshop on my own?
Yes, you are very welcome to come to the embroidery workshop on your own. Many people book creative workshops solo, and the session is designed to be relaxed, friendly and welcoming.
Our maximum capcity is for 6 people, so its a small group and the kind of place where you may arrive as strangers and leave as friends.
Can I book the embroidery workshop as a gift?
Yes, an embroidery workshop can make a thoughtful gift for someone who enjoys craft, creativity or trying something new. It’s especially lovely for someone interested in textiles, handmade design, Caribbean-inspired craft or mindful activities.
Our group sizes are small - up to 6 people, so you could even book it the workshop as a surprise birthday treat for your friend.
Do you have other dates available for your raffia Embroidery Workshop?
Yes, if you can’t make it for Windrush Weekend, you can currently book one of my July workshop dates instead: Saturday 11 July, 2pm to 4pm, or Sunday 12 July, 11am to 1pm.
Alternatively, you can purchase a raffia embroidery kit and follow the step-by-step instructions to create your own raffia embroidery hoop at home. I also have my book, Raffia Embroidery, if you’d like even more projects and inspiration.
Embroidery classes near me?
Unfortunately, my embroidery workshops are currently London based. The classes take place in central London, not far from Waterloo station and just a few minutes’ walk from Lambeth North tube station.
I do also run online classes by request for businesses, so if this is something you’re interested in, please get in touch through my contact page.
Is this embroidery workshop suitable for beginners?
Yes, this embroidery workshop is suitable for complete beginners. You do not need any previous embroidery experience, as I’ll guide you through each step and show you how to create your raffia embroidery hoop from start to finish.
What will I learn in the raffia embroidery workshop?
In this raffia embroidery workshop, you’ll learn the basics of stitching with raffia, how to build texture with colour, and how to create a tropical hoop art design. You’ll also learn more about how my raffia embroidery technique is inspired by Caribbean craft and storytelling.
How long is the raffia embroidery workshop?
The raffia embroidery workshop lasts for two hours. This gives you enough time to learn the technique, choose your colours, start stitching your design and create a piece of raffia embroidery hoop art to take home.
Is this a mindful embroidery workshop?
Yes, this is a relaxing and mindful embroidery workshop. Raffia embroidery is a slow, hands-on craft that gives you time to focus, unwind and enjoy making something by hand.
Can businesses book a private embroidery workshop?
Yes, I run private and corporate embroidery workshops by request. These sessions are a great option for businesses looking for a creative team activity, wellbeing workshop or Caribbean-inspired craft workshop. You can get in touch through my contact page to discuss a booking.
How is embroidering with raffia different from traditional embroidery?
Embroidering with raffia is different from traditional embroidery because raffia is thicker, more textured and less flexible than standard embroidery thread. This means raffia embroidery creates a bolder, more raised effect, giving your design a natural, tactile finish.
Traditional embroidery often uses fine cotton, silk or wool threads to create detailed stitches and delicate patterns. Raffia embroidery has a more sculptural feel, so it is great for creating texture, shape and statement designs, such as tropical leaves, flowers and Caribbean-inspired motifs.
Because raffia is wider than thread, the stitching process can feel slower and more mindful. You do not need lots of complicated stitches to create an eye-catching result, which makes raffia embroidery a lovely option for beginners who want to try something a little different from a traditional embroidery workshop.
In my embroidery workshop, you'll get to see all the different types of raffia too and examples of pieces that have been created using raffia.
