Introduction to Gindi Embroidery with Wenlin Studio

Objectives: In this workshop, you’ll learn about Gindi embroidery, the running stitch traditionally worked on the surface of rilli quilts from Sindh, using recycled fabric pieces. We’ll create a stitched surface and a small drawstring bag while exploring how running stitch is used to secure layered textiles.

Running stitch appears across many cultures, including boro and sashiko in Japan, and kantha and gindi in South Asia. Using rilli quilts as a historical reference, we’ll focus on rhythm, counting, and surface-building through parallel stitches, alternating stitches, running stitch, and the gindi star.

The workshop is taught in English with basic Portuguese by Gul E Raana, originally from Punjab, Pakistan, and the founder of Wenlin Studio, a project focused on embroidery and natural dyeing traditions from the Indus region.

Contents:

• Choosing fabrics and threads
• Making a surface with identical parallel stitches, alternate stitches, uneven Free-form running stitching, and kantha star
• Making a drawstring bag with the surface

Materials: all essential materials are included in this workshop. Participants who prefer to use specific embroidery frames and thimbles should bring their own.

Requirements: participants must be over 14 years old. No previous knowledge is required. This workshop is taught in English.

Withdrawals/refunds: the registration fee will be refunded to students who for some reason cannot participate in the workshop and communicate their withdrawal up to ten days before the workshop date.

Location: Rua Maria Andrade, 50A (Lisbon)

Please note: The workshop will only take place if a minimum of three people sign up to participate. In the event that we don’t reach minimum attendance of three participants until five days before the date of the workshop, the workshop will be cancelled and any participants who had signed up will be contacted for a refund, rescheduling (if possible) or shop voucher to be arranged. In the event that the workshop is cancelled by the tutor due to unforeseen circumstances, we will apply the same procedure: refund of the fee, exchange for a shop voucher or, should another workshop date already be booked, a rescheduling of the workshop.