Chinese Embroidery Institute · Live online study
Private Online Chinese Embroidery Lessons
Learn to understand the thread, guide the needle, and build your practice—one stitch at a time.
One-to-one study in traditional Chinese embroidery, with individual guidance, close observation, and time to develop your hands.
A foundation in the hand
Begin with thread, fabric, and a simple motif.
This course welcomes complete beginners and continuing learners who want individual guidance. We work with the things that make a difference on the embroidery surface: stitch direction, thread handling, hand control, and careful observation.
You will practise between lessons, show your work, and receive corrections. The examples below give a sense of the floral forms and stitched surfaces in our course collection; they are not a promise of a particular finished result or a fixed lesson pattern.
A staged learning path
A pace shaped around your progress.
Beginner foundation
The beginner stage introduces the knowledge and hand practice needed to begin traditional Chinese embroidery.
- Tools, fabrics, silk threads, and their practical handling
- Essential stitches and hand control
- Simple motifs and foundation exercises
- Observation, correction, and between-session practice
The learning structure draws on the introductory technical scope of our publication Chinese Embroidery: An Illustrated Stitch Guide. Examples and exercises are selected for the individual learner.
Beginner study does not include Chinese painting instruction, specialist training in Su, Xiang, Shu, or Yue embroidery, or advanced artistic-embroidery study such as Gu embroidery or Song-dynasty painting-oriented embroidery.
Develop the foundations
Intermediate development
After the relevant foundations are secure, study can develop more complex stitch combinations, silk-thread handling, integrated application, and project practice. The content follows your progress and aims.
Study a direction in depth
Advanced study
Advanced work is considered individually according to your technical level, direction of study, and available teaching capacity. It may involve more demanding traditional techniques and artistic-embroidery research and practice.
There is no fixed completion period. Beginner study is usually shorter; intermediate work normally takes more practice, and advanced study takes the longest. Progress is based on understanding and technique, not elapsed time alone.
Teaching and professional guidance
Learn with people who practise the craft.
Martin Xiao 肖尧Martin leads beginner instruction and works with you on the foundation exercises.
Xiaocheng Shao 邵晓琤Xiaocheng contributes professional teaching guidance. When schedules allow, she may meet students by video and take part in professional discussion in the course group.
She currently teaches at Xingtai University. This private course is not organised, accredited, or endorsed by Xingtai University.
Read Yao Xiao’s profile, Shao Xiaocheng’s profile, and the Professional Experience & International Exchange record.
From demonstration to your own practice
Close attention, wherever you study.
During your lesson
Lessons are live and one-to-one, usually once a week. Each lesson is planned for three hours, with reasonable breaks and, when practical teaching requires it, a modest extension.
We provide necessary bilingual reference material before lessons. Teaching is conducted in Chinese with GPT-assisted translation where useful. We test the communication method with you; demonstration, observation, and feedback remain central.
Between your lessons
You may send study-related text, photographs, or short videos through WhatsApp or WeChat. This guidance supports your practice; it does not promise an immediate or around-the-clock reply.
If an examination, trip, or other important commitment affects a lesson, we can discuss an adjustment in advance. The next stage is decided from actual learning results.
Your meeting and camera setup
VooV Meeting is preferred, with Zoom available when needed. We recommend a computer and an overhead or secondary camera so the teacher can see the embroidery surface, thread direction, and hand movement. Equipment is purchased by the student; any model recommendations depend on verified availability in your country.
Practical arrangements
Start with a manageable learning stage.
A proposed introductory beginner stage, with time for practice and feedback between the three-hour lessons.
A longer beginner study arrangement for continuing practice. There is no automatic renewal or recurring charge.
Tuition is discussed after your goals, time zone, teacher availability, and course scope have been considered. Intermediate and advanced study is arranged individually. Online course payments are not open.
Tools, materials, and international delivery
Tools, silk thread, ground fabric, and practice materials are separate from tuition. We can recommend a stage-appropriate materials list or, where practical, prepare a materials package in China.
Materials and international delivery are quoted separately using the actual destination, package weight, and current logistics cost. Import duties and local taxes follow the applicable rules and final quote. There is no single global shipping price.
Begin with a conversation
Let’s find a suitable way to study.
A complimentary initial video conversation helps us discuss your experience, learning goals, time zone, available study time, and camera setup before confirming a suitable plan.
For a learner under 18, a parent or legal guardian must participate in the course and payment arrangements. Only the information needed to assess the course will be requested.
Tell us about your learning plans
Fields marked with * are required. Submitting an enquiry does not reserve a lesson or request payment.
Questions before you begin
Frequently asked questions
Can I begin with no embroidery experience?
Yes. The beginner foundation begins with essential materials, stitches, and hand practice.
How can I learn if I do not speak Chinese?
Lessons are taught in Chinese with GPT-assisted translation where helpful. We test the communication method and use bilingual reference material. Clear demonstrations, observation, and feedback remain central.
How much should I practise each week?
Practice time depends on the stage, exercise, and your schedule. We suggest a realistic rhythm after discussing your aims and available time.
How long does each stage take?
There is no fixed timetable. Progress is based on technique and learning results, not a promised number of weeks.
Do you teach Su embroidery or other artistic embroidery?
The beginner foundation does not offer specialist Su, Xiang, Shu, or Yue embroidery, Gu embroidery, or Song-dynasty painting-oriented embroidery training. Later study is considered individually once the relevant foundations are secure.
How do I buy tools and materials?
We can provide a stage-appropriate recommendation list or discuss a materials package. Materials and international delivery are quoted separately using the actual destination and logistics cost.
Can I reschedule a lesson?
If you tell us in advance about an examination, trip, or similar commitment, we can discuss a suitable adjustment.
How will international course payments be arranged?
Online course payments are not open. Any future payment arrangement will be confirmed separately after the learning plan, teacher availability, materials, and fees have been agreed. There is no automatic renewal.
Can a minor enrol?
Yes, provided a parent or legal guardian participates in the course and payment arrangements. Unnecessary identity documents will not be requested.
Do you provide a certificate?
No academic qualification, institutional accreditation, or certificate is promised. Any future course-completion document would be described separately after its actual conditions are established.