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Passementerie with Clare Hedges

A Two-Day Introduction to Passementerie with Clare Hedges

Overview: Join Clare Hedges for a two-day, hands-on introduction to the heritage craft of passementerie at the Festival of Upholstery. With over 25 years of experience, Clare will guide you through creating beautiful cords, tassels, buttons, and ornament by hand. Her approachable teaching style makes intricate techniques accessible, perfect for those with no experience. You'll leave with new skills, stunning handmade pieces, and a deeper appreciation for this historic and endangered craft.

Tutor Bio: Clare Hedges has been making traditional passementerie for over 25 years, building a successful career in both creating and teaching this endangered craft. Many of her skills were passed down from her late father, but working on heritage projects has allowed her to continually expand her expertise. Clare’s restoration work includes commissions for the National Trust, private stately homes, vintage car and carriage owners, and theatres, as well as bespoke pieces for high-end private clients. She has been consulted by institutions such as the V&A and Phillips Auction House, and regularly gives talks, demonstrations, and lectures, including at the V&A. Clare is passionate about sharing her knowledge, inspiring others with a love of textiles, and helping to keep the art of passementerie alive for future generations.

What to bring: All materials and tools are supplied during the duration of the course.

Dates: 6-7 October 2025 9.30am-4.30pm

Course cost: tbc

Cancellations: Refunds will not be granted after 7 days, except in the event that the reserved place is successfully filled from the wait list, in which case a full refund will be issued.

Clare Hedges

Clare Hedges

Living and working in rural Norfolk I have weaving in my blood, having made my first piece of weaving whilst still a child.

I love collaborating with customers, working together to create precisely the right combination of colours, size and shape to bring your ideas to life. I have a wonderful eye for colour and can look at the fabrics and furnishings in a scheme and identify just the right mix of threads to make braids, tassels and other embellishments to pull the different elements of a room together in a coherent way