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The 3rd February marked a very special milestone for the brand as I made my TV debut on Sewing Street to celebrate the launch of my new book, Raffia Embroidery! It was such a joy to join Stuart Hillard on the show and share my love of raffia embroidery, texture, and creative design with Sewing Street viewers.
If you missed the live broadcast, you can still catch up and watch my Sewing Street appearance below, where I demonstrate a technique from the book and talk through what makes raffia embroidery such an exciting craft.
Table of contents
Watch My Sewing Street Appearance
On the show, I introduced the core technique featured in the book, talked about my design inspiration, and show how raffia can be used to create bold, textured embroidery. If you are curious about working with raffia for embroidery, this is a great place to start!
About the Book: Raffia Embroidery by Tihara Smith
Raffia Embroidery is a practical and creative guide to using raffia as an embroidery material. The book includes 10 contemporary projects designed to help you explore texture, colour, and raffia embroidery whether you are a complete beginner or an experiences maker.
Inside the book, you will find:
A hoop embroidery project
Statement wall hanging
A simple bag
A zipped pouch
A cushion project
And more...
Each design is created using raffia embroidery techniques that are accessible for beginners while still offering something for more experienced stitchers to develop their skills and try sometjing new.
The projects are designed to help you build confidence working with raffia.
Tools and Materials Featured in Raffia Embroidery
During my Sewing Street appearance, I also shared some of the key tools and materials used throughout the book. If you are planning to start your own raffia embroidery projects, these are the essentials you will want to have to hand:
Why Try Raffia Embroidery?
Raffia embroidery offers a fresh way to add dimension and interest to your craft projects. Unlike traditional cotton threads, raffia embroidery can give you quicker satisfaction, as not only is the raffia much easier to thread, but you can cover more surface area with each stitch too.
Your finished projects can make...
- Bold statement pieces
- Decorative pieces for your home
- Wonderful gifts to give to loved ones
Raffia embroidery is a technique that can open up so many exciting creative possibilities 🌴
Raffia Embroidery Kits: Creative, Mindful, and Gift-Ready
If you’re inspired by the projects in Raffia Embroidery, my raffia embroidery kits are the perfect way to get started with raffia embroidery. Each kit includes all the materials and tools you need to complete the project, from pre-cut raffia yarn (ribbon) and natural raffia fabric as well as the perfect needle and easy to follow instructions, so you can start stitching straight away.
Raffia embroidery is not only a creative outlet but also a wonderful way to slow down and clear your mind. Many stitchers find the process meditative, helping to reduce stress while enjoying the satisfaction of crafting something beautiful with their own hands.
These kits also make thoughtful gifts for anyone who enjoys crafting, wants to try something new, or could benefit from the calming, mindful aspects of embroidery. They are a lovely treat for yourself too, offering a tactile, hands-on way to explore texture, colour, and design.
Whether it’s for a friend, family member, or for your own creative journey, our raffia embroidery kits are designed to be accessible, fun, and rewarding for stitchers of all levels.
Join me for one of our in-person workshops
Learn the basics of raffia embroidery at one of our fun and creative workshops that are perfect for beginners.
During each workshop, I teach my raffia embroidery technique, inspired by Caribbean crafts and the work that I developed whilst creating my Windrush collection.
Our workshops are a great way to relax and de-stress whilst learning a new skill and creating a beautiful piece of art to take home.
You can also find me here:
18th - 19th February 2026 - I will be hosting a drop in workshop for families at the Imperial War Museum during the half term break.
25th February 2026 - I will be hosting a Raffia Embroidery Workshop at Waterstones Piccadilly, London, to celebrate the launch of my first book, Raffia Embroidery, published by Search Press. Tickets are limited and you can book tickets here.
19th - 22nd March 2026 - I'm excited to share I will be exhibiting at the Stitch Festival for the first time!
My raffia embroidery work was also featured in two magazines in 2026: Love Embroidery and Stitch Magazine!
Watch, Stitch, and Explore
Whether you are completely new to raffia embroidery or looking to expand your embroidery practice, I hope the book and watching my Sewing Street appearance inspire you to try something new and enjoy the creative process ✨
Raffia Embroidery FAQs
What is raffia embroidery?
Raffia embroidery is an embroidery technique that uses raffia yarn (ribbon) to embroidery into woven natural raffia fabric instead of traditional cotton embroidery threads and fabrics. Raffia creates raised, textured stitches that add depth to bold embroidered designs. You can find out more about raffia on this blog.
What needles should I use for raffia embroidery?
Chenille needles with a larger eye and sharp point work best. The larger eye makes it easier to thread raffia ribbon and the sharp point helps when stitching through thicker fabrics like woven natural raffia fabric.
Is raffia embroidery suitable for beginners?
Yes, raffia embroidery is absolutely suitable for beginners! Simple stitches and projects allow new stitchers to learn how raffia behaves while building confidence before moving on to more complex designs.
How is raffia embroidery different from standard embroidery?
Unlike standard embroidery threads which are usually cotton, raffia yarn (ribbon) is made from paper which is wider and more structured. This gives raffia embroidery a more sculptural, textured finish that stands out from flat stitch work. You also stitch into woven natural raffia fabric instead on typical fabrics like cotton and linen.
Can raffia embroidery be used for home decor?
Yes, raffia embroidery is especially well suited to home decor projects such as wall hangings, cushions, and decorative hoops. The texture of raffia adds visual interest and a handcrafted feel to interior pieces.
How do you care for raffia embroidery?
Raffia embroidery should be kept away from excessive moisture and direct heat. If necessary gently spot clean. Finished pieces are best used for display and worn for special occasions.
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 🌴✨
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