Stitching Ashbourne is a vibrant, community-led textile art project bringing the people of Ashbourne together to create a large-scale appliqué and embroidered artwork celebrating everything that makes our town special.
Made possible by seed funding from Ashbourne Methodist Church and a dedicated team of volunteers, the project invites people of all ages and abilities to stitch, share and celebrate the stories that make Ashbourne unique.
What Is Stitching Ashbourne?
At its heart, Stitching Ashbourne is about community, creativity, and connection.
Together, we’re creating a large-scale appliqué and embroidered artwork featuring the town’s most iconic landmarks. These have been selected by the community and include St Oswald’s Church, Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, the Gingerbread Café, and the newly refurbished Market Square.
Surrounding the centerpiece will be over 100 individually hand-stitched squares, each designed by local residents, schools and community groups – each one telling a personal story or memory of Ashbourne.
Whether you’re six or ninety-five, this project is for you.
Project Aims
By Spring 2026, Stitching Ashbourne aims to:
- Celebrate Local Heritage
Honour Ashbourne’s cultural and architectural identity through art made with and by the community. - Bring People Together
Host at least 10 free workshops across schools, community spaces and local venues – connecting more than 150 people through creativity. - Empower Through Creativity
Encourage everyone to try textile art, no experience needed – just enthusiasm and willingness to learn. - Spark Local Pride
As Ashbourne evolves, this shared artwork offers a beautiful way to reconnect with our town’s spirit.
🧵 What’s Happening
- Workshops – thanks to the generosity of local venues 18 friendly, inclusive workshops will take place across Ashbourne between early October and end November View upcoming workshops
- Artwork Completion – The final textile piece (approx. 2 m × 2 m) will be unveiled in early 2026 at a special community celebration.
- Exhibition – The finished work will go on public display for at least 10 weeks in 2026. This includes Ashbourne Methodist Church, Ashbourne Heritage Centre, Ashbourne Library and House of Beer. If you’d like to host the finished artwork at your venue, please contact Laura: laura_burrill@outlook.com.
How You Can Get Involved
There are lots of ways to be part of Stitching Ashbourne:
- Join a Workshop
Take part in a free session and create your own stitched square. All materials and guidance provided. See workshops - Create from Home
Can’t make a workshop? Pick up a postal stitching pack from Annie at Betty’s Sewing Box and craft your piece at home. - Support Financially
We need to raise £6,000 to cover materials, workshops, management, venue hire, and exhibition costs (plus all the tea, coffee and biscuits that keep creativity flowing!).- Donate via our Crowdfunder page
- Or contact project lead Laura Burrill to discuss sponsorship: laura_burrill@outlook.com
Project Partners & Supporters
Stitching Ashbourne is made possible thanks to:
- Ashbourne Methodist Church – providing seed funding and ongoing planning and delivery support.
- Ashbourne Arts – funding of documentation by Ukrainian photographer Helen Yakutina ongoing marketing and delivery support.
- Local venues including Cornerstone Café, House of Beer, Sticky Fingers, Ashbourne Town Hall, Betty’s Sewing Box and Ashbourne Library for generously donating space to host workshops.
- Plus dozens of volunteers and participants who have already stitched their stories!
Be Part of Ashbourne’s Story
Stitching Ashbourne is more than an artwork — it’s a shared story, stitched by many hands.
Whether you join a workshop, sew from home, or donate to the project, every stitch helps celebrate the people, places and stories that make Ashbourne shine.
Donate • View Workshops • Contact Laura
Stitching Ashbourne is proudly supported by:
Every Stitch A Story 