LearN Tambour Embroidery

 

It started with “I DO”…

I learned Tambour Embroidery in 2017, as part of the process of making my wedding dress. When I finished that project, I was surprised at how much I missed working on it, so I immediately started another - and another - and the rest, as they say, is history! You can view my beadwork portfolio here.

I’ve learned a LOT along the way, and I’d very much like to share that knowledge with you. Below, you’ll find everything you need to get started with Tambour - from my videos on YouTube, to a supply list, and next steps for when you’re ready!

 
 

Learn Tambour Embroidery on YouTube

 
 
 

This video series, available on YouTube, is a complete beginner’s introduction to Tambour. I do suggest you start at the top, but if you’re after particular info on a specific step, you can skip through the list below:

Click Here to visit the entire playlist

If you are absolutely positively sick of me but you still want some Tambour content, I highly recommend Bob Haven’s YouTube videos. They’re years-old (I learned from his videos way back when I was starting out!) but they are still absolutely a treasure - as is Bob.

 
 

Supply List

Everything you need to get started with Tambour embroidery! These items are also covered in more detail in the first video in the YouTube series above. This list contains some affiliate links, which means I earn a small percentage when you purchase following my link, at no additional cost to you.

At the bare minimum, you need:

  • Tambour Embroidery Handle - one that is nice to hold and whose bolt won’t loosen over time!

  • Tambour Embroidery Hook - size 70 if you plan to add beads from the top. The larger sizes are handy for working with thicker threads. There IS a quality difference between hooks - if you don’t wish to buy from this link, look for ‘schmetz’ branded hooks.

  • Organza (preferably silk but polyester isn’t the end of the world) - I buy mine locally (New Zealand) from The Fabric Store, but Dharma Trading is a solid source in the US. (I know it’s tempting to try tulle for learning, but don’t do it! It’s not worth it, I promise!)

  • Embroidery hoop, inner hoop wrapped in twill tape or a strip of fabric

  • A clamp or hoop holder, to hold the hoop steady as you work

Plus some shiny extras, as you get going and decide you like it:

  • Thread - I prefer Sajou Gloving Thread, or Gutermann Hand Quilting thread - both are glazed cotton with high twist to prevent snagging. Sajou Metallic is also good.

  • Beads - I buy Preciosa pre-strung seed beads, mostly size 11, preferably from Capital City Beads - there are a few other shops listed below.

  • Sequins - I buy Langlois-Martin sequins from Maydel, because the minimum order quantities directly from LM are MASSIVE.

  • Slate Frame - these are better than hoops for a variety of reasons, but it’s okay to learn with a hoop. These can be expensive - I made my own. If you’re using a slate frame, you’ll also need some pins and a large roll of twill tape to ‘dress’ the frame.



Shop List

The following list is a collection of shops I purchase my supplies from - there’s some overlap here with the supply list, but they’re worth checking out for other things as well! This list also contains some affiliate links

Maydel - high quality Tambour hooks and handles, embroidery supplies, and Langlois-Martin sequins

Capital City Beads - Excellent selection of Preciosa seed beads

Shipwreck Beads - Good selection of Preciosa seed beads, but they’re often out of stock

Fire Mountain Gems - Probably the biggest selection of seed beads, but also the most expensive, AND they don’t come pre-strung.

Dharma Trading - They’re best known for their dyes (which I love!) but they’re also a delightfully inexpensive source of silk organza.


Next Steps

If you’ve read through the resources above and have questions, please reach out! I am happy to help with questions via email or the contact button below.

If you’d like to learn from me in a 1:1 setting, I am available for virtual classes, or in-person classes in Auckland, New Zealand. I am more than happy to tailor the learning to your desired outcomes!

If you’d like to host me for an in-person class, please enquire to discuss rates.