This week’s Friday Feature is the ever so talented Hattie from Hattie McGill Embroidery. Having trained at the Royal School of Needlework, Hattie’s hand-embroidery skills have seen her work on some incredible film productions (including Wicked). She also creates gorgeous shiny things for anyone to buy, and helps others learn and enjoy goldwork embroidery through her kits.
Let’s get to know more about the creative woman behind the small business…
Yes – from as long as I remember I’ve been creative & enjoyed making things. I don’t really think of it – it’s just an integral part of me I guess!
Hand-embroidery started out as a hobby for me, just something I did because I loved it. I never thought it would turn into a career, but over time it kind of naturally grew into one, leading me to train at the Royal School of Needlework. It’s led to some amazing opportunities and experiences that I never expected when I first started stitching. Even now, after 10 years, there are plenty of days when it doesn’t feel like work at all — I still genuinely enjoy it, and I feel lucky to be able to do something I’m passionate about for a living.
It happened very organically – in between film work when it was a bit quiet – I just started making and putting things on Instagram and they were popular. So I listed things for sale, did some markets and it took off from there.
There is no average working week – every week is different! You have to be very adaptable being self employed – running a small business and also freelancing in the film industry.
So many! I hate it if I’m not great or perfect at something straight off and my first instinct is to give up. But I’m also a perfectionist. So I really try to push through that. I will just repeat something over and over until I’ve nailed it, so to speak. But I do have loads of my own (not for clients) half finished projects, that for whatever reason I’ve not pursued. Normally it’s because I’ve got distracted and started something else, or just lack of time.
I feel incredibly lucky to have had a few standout moments. Winning the Holly & Co Modern Crafter award was a huge one – it transformed not just my business, but also my confidence as a maker. My first big film job was on Doctor Strange, which felt surreal at the time, and since then I’ve been lucky to work on films like Wicked. Honestly, every film project I get to be part of is a highlight. And I have to mention making twenty brooches for Dawn French last year – as a massive French & Saunders fan, that was a total pinch-me moment!
This is a tricky one because there are quite a few! One of the biggest misconceptions is that embroidery is an old-fashioned hobby just for older women. It’s been labelled as ‘women’s work’ for so long that it’s taken a while for it to be recognised as a legitimate art form. Another one is that embroidery is often lumped in with knitting and crochet — it’s a catch-all term for anything involving a needle and thread. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve told someone I’m an embroidery artist and they’ve replied with ‘Oh, I’ve got some trousers that need taking up’ or ‘Can you knit me a jumper?’ (I actually can do those things — but that’s not the point!).
Oh there are always ups and downs! I doubt myself regularly – I think that goes hand in hand with being a creative person.
I think pottery. Or something with ceramics. I love the Great Pottery Throw Down.
My biggest wish right now in business is for more people to consciously support small, independent businesses. There’s so much heart, skill, and care that goes into what we do, and every order genuinely makes a difference to someone’s life. It’s a tough climate for small makers at the moment, and I’d love to see people choosing handmade and independent wherever they can. Every order, like, share, or kind word makes a bigger impact than most people realise – and it keeps makers like me doing what we love.
It’s so lovely to hear how much joy hand-embroidery brings Hattie, even after years of stitching for a living. And what an amazing career she has had so far! It’s also clear she has a real passion for supporting skilled creatives and small businesses – something we’re definitely on board with!
If you’d like to see Hattie’s current creations and kits for sale, head to her Etsy shop: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/HattieMcGill – or for glimpses into her life and some behind-the-scenes content, take a look at her Instagram: @hattiemcgillembroidery
If you haven’t already found us over on Instagram – why not come say hi and give us a follow. We would love for you to join the conversation and help spread the movement by liking and sharing our content.
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