Teaching Textiles: 5 Surprising Lessons I’ve Learned from My Students

When I started teaching textile art, I assumed I'd be doing most of the guiding — showing techniques, demonstrating stitch approaches, offering advice. And while that's certainly part of it, what I didn’t expect was just how much my students would teach me in return.

Teaching isn’t a one-way street. It’s a loop of learning, curiosity, and connection. Every group, every workshop, every individual brings a new perspective to the table (or the sewing machine!), and over time, I’ve realised some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in my practice have come from standing at the front of a classroom.

So here are five honest, surprising, and often heartwarming lessons I’ve picked up from my students — whether they’re absolute beginners, lifelong crafters, or somewhere in between.

🧵 1. There’s No “Right” Way to Stitch

I’ve watched beginners who’ve never held an embroidery hoop create work with raw, beautiful energy. I’ve seen experienced quilters ignore “the rules” and produce pieces bursting with personality.

My students constantly remind me that the most meaningful work doesn’t always follow traditional technique. It comes from how they respond to materials, texture, and mood. Letting go of perfection can be the most liberating part of the process.

✨ 2. Curiosity Always Trumps Confidence

I’ve seen so many students walk into a class saying “I’m not creative” or “I can’t draw” — and leave with a completely different view of themselves.

The spark happens when they start playing without pressure. It’s not about confidence; it’s about giving yourself permission to explore. Watching that shift in someone’s mindset is honestly one of the most fulfilling parts of teaching.

🎨 3. The Materials Know More Than We Think

Students often ask, “Can I use this?” while holding up a strange scrap or unexpected fabric — and my answer is almost always yes.

Time and again, those moments of improvisation or curiosity lead to the most interesting results. My students have taught me to trust the materials more, to experiment more freely, and to never dismiss the odd, the offcut, or the “wrong” fabric.

💬 4. Everyone Has a Story, and It Shows in Their Stitching

Some students stitch bold, confident lines. Others layer slowly, thoughtfully. Some lean into chaos; others find joy in careful, repetitive motion. Even without words, you can often feel something deeply personal in their work.

Teaching has shown me how much textile art is an extension of who we are — whether we realise it or not.

🤝 5. Kindness Creates Creativity

The most creative workshop spaces I’ve witnessed aren’t the quietest or the most technically advanced — they’re the kindest.

When students support one another, share mistakes, offer encouragement, and laugh together, the room buzzes. That energy changes the work. It makes people braver. And it reminds me why I love teaching as much as I love making.

Final Thoughts

Teaching has deepened my practice in ways I never expected. It’s reminded me to stay curious, stay open, and never underestimate the wisdom that comes from someone picking up a needle for the very first time.

To every student who’s asked a question I hadn’t thought of, stitched something I never would have imagined, or simply shown up and given it a go — thank you. You’re shaping my creative journey every bit as much as I hope I’m helping shape yours.

Have you learned something surprising from a class — as a student or a teacher? I’d love to hear your story. Drop a comment or tag me on Instagram @yourhandle with your thoughts.