Tambour Embroidery Class in Toronto: Couture at Home (3-Class Series)

Tentative class dates: Thursdays, October 15, 22 and 29, 2026 (class starts when capacity is reached)
Time: 6pm - 9pm on Thursdays once a week for 3 weeks, 3 hours per class.
Location: The Atelier Room by ZOBA MARTIN, 9 Davies Ave, Toronto.

ONLY 8 spots open. Sold as a full 3-class series.

Ever wondered how couture garments and bridal veils get their shimmering beadwork? It's tambour embroidery, the hand-embellishment technique used in haute couture ateliers, and now you can learn it in Toronto at The Atelier Room.

This in-person tambour embroidery class takes you from your first chain stitch to a finished piece of couture embroidery, and gives you the skills to start elevating the clothes and accessories you already own.

• 3 classes, 3 hours each: 9 hours of hands-on instruction
• Kit included
• Small group of 8 students for personal guidance
• For confident beginners and anyone refreshing their embroidery skills, ages 18+

Everything you need is in your kit, so come as you are!

What Is Tambour Embroidery?

Tambour embroidery uses a fine hook to create a continuous chain stitch across fabric held taut in a frame. It's faster and more delicate than needle embroidery, which is why it's been used for generations to apply beads, sequins, and gold work to bridal gowns, veils, and couture fashion.

Why Take This Class?

Elevate the pieces you already own. Add couture details to your own wardrobe: a beaded collar on a favourite blouse, sequins across a denim jacket, gold work on a clutch, or delicate embellishment on a veil. It's the easiest way to make something you love feel one of a kind.

Learn a true couture skill. This is the same technique used in haute couture ateliers, taught step by step. It's a foundation you can keep building on, whether you want a creative hobby or dream of embellishing your own designs.

Slow down and make something beautiful. Tambour is rhythmic and mindful. Three hours a week away from your screen, with a finished piece to show for it, is a gift to yourself.

Find your fashion besties. You'll stitch alongside a small group of hobbyists, makers, and fashion lovers who get just as excited about a perfect chain stitch as you do. Come for the class, stay for the friendships.

What You'll Learn

Week 1: Foundations. Get to know your tools, dress your hoop, and learn to start, work, and finish a line of chain stitch with the tambour hook. You'll also see a full 3ft slate frame set up with finished samples.

Week 2: Techniques and Texture. Learn filigree and basket weave stitches, plus techniques for adding texture and pattern, with guided project time and plenty of support.

Week 3: Finishing Your Piece. Learn different finishing methods, complete your work, and wrap up with group feedback.

You'll take your kit home between classes, so you'll see real progress every week. Each session also includes teaching samples to study up close, including tambour work on a bridal veil, plus reference books and a list of where to source materials after the series ends.

Your Kit Includes

• Silk organza with a pre-printed pattern
• 12" embroidery hoop
• Beads, crystals and pearls 
• Twill tape and scrap fabric strip for binding
• Tambour hook with 3 needle sizes
• Spool of thread
• Sample pack of gold bullion, beads, yarns, and sequins
• Instruction booklet

Meet Your Instructor: Natalia Tjiang

Natalia is a Hamilton-based embroidery artist, seamstress, and educator with 13 years of professional sewing experience and training from George Brown College. She has a special love for dimensional embroidery, designs intricate micro-crochet jewellery inspired by her German grandmother's lace, and is known for making couture technique feel approachable and fun.

The Bigger Goal

Couture embellishment can feel like something that only happens behind closed atelier doors. This class opens those doors, so you leave understanding how the most beautiful gowns are made, with the skills to keep creating your own.

Program Extras

Stick'n'Stitch sticker sets, thread gloss, thread and bead trays, and extra kits available in studio.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need embroidery experience? This class is designed for confident beginners. No tambour experience needed.

Can I use tambour embroidery on my own clothes? Yes! You can embellish blouses, jackets, bags, veils, and more.

Can I sign up for just one class? No. Each class builds on the last, so the series is sold as a complete set.

What should I bring? Just yourself! Your kit is included, and snips are provided during class.

Please note that payment is non-refundable.