What happens when you limit yourself to just one simple shape? In this playful textile study we slow down and explore the formal elements of design through stitch. By repeating a single motif and transforming it through line, texture, fabric manipulation, and positive and negative space, you will discover how many creative possibilities can emerge from the simplest starting point.
In this workshop we return to the foundations of design and explore the formal elements through stitch. By limiting ourselves to a single simple shape, we open up space to experiment and discover how much variation can emerge from one motif.
Working on a small stitched sampler, you will repeat your chosen shape and transform it through different textile approaches. Along the way we will explore line, texture, positive and negative space, and fabric manipulation, discovering how each treatment changes the way a shape is perceived.
This tutorial is designed as a creative exercise rather than an outcome-based project. It invites you to experiment, play, and develop ideas that you can take forward into your own textile work. By the end you will have a small sampler panel that could remain as a study piece, or be incorporated into something larger such as a cushion cover or wall hanging.
Throughout the workshop I demonstrate several of my favourite stitches and techniques, including appliqué, line stitching, fill stitches, and simple fabric manipulation.
How to explore the formal elements of design through textiles
Ways to transform a single motif using line, texture, and space
Techniques including appliqué, fill stitches, line stitching, and fabric manipulation
How working within a simple limitation can spark new creative ideas
A step-by-step video workshop
Guidance on choosing and repeating a simple shape
Demonstrations of stitches and techniques
Ideas for developing your sampler further
This listing is for a PDF file only - NOT a physical item.
You will be emailed a link to the pdf containing the video link. This download expires after 24 hours. I recommend that you click the link straight away and download the PDF to your device.
Receiving this guide does not transfer any rights of the item. The design and words remains the property of Rebekah Johnston.
Please do not share or redistribute this tutorial (either the PDF or video) with others.
Check your spam folder as occasionally emails can land there.
This tutorial was originally created as part of Making Zen 2026.
What happens when you limit yourself to just one simple shape? In this playful textile study we slow down and explore the formal elements of design through stitch. By repeating a single motif and transforming it through line, texture, fabric manipulation, and positive and negative space, you will discover how many creative possibilities can emerge from the simplest starting point.
In this workshop we return to the foundations of design and explore the formal elements through stitch. By limiting ourselves to a single simple shape, we open up space to experiment and discover how much variation can emerge from one motif.
Working on a small stitched sampler, you will repeat your chosen shape and transform it through different textile approaches. Along the way we will explore line, texture, positive and negative space, and fabric manipulation, discovering how each treatment changes the way a shape is perceived.
This tutorial is designed as a creative exercise rather than an outcome-based project. It invites you to experiment, play, and develop ideas that you can take forward into your own textile work. By the end you will have a small sampler panel that could remain as a study piece, or be incorporated into something larger such as a cushion cover or wall hanging.
Throughout the workshop I demonstrate several of my favourite stitches and techniques, including appliqué, line stitching, fill stitches, and simple fabric manipulation.
How to explore the formal elements of design through textiles
Ways to transform a single motif using line, texture, and space
Techniques including appliqué, fill stitches, line stitching, and fabric manipulation
How working within a simple limitation can spark new creative ideas
A step-by-step video workshop
Guidance on choosing and repeating a simple shape
Demonstrations of stitches and techniques
Ideas for developing your sampler further
This listing is for a PDF file only - NOT a physical item.
You will be emailed a link to the pdf containing the video link. This download expires after 24 hours. I recommend that you click the link straight away and download the PDF to your device.
Receiving this guide does not transfer any rights of the item. The design and words remains the property of Rebekah Johnston.
Please do not share or redistribute this tutorial (either the PDF or video) with others.
Check your spam folder as occasionally emails can land there.
This tutorial was originally created as part of Making Zen 2026.
