Welcome to NeedleXChange, conversations on the art of thread. It’s our podcast in which Jamie “Mr X Stitch” Chalmers talks with needlework and textile artists about their practice and process.
The Power of Thread: A Conversation with Harriet Riddle
In the world of textile art, the beauty of embroidery lies not just in the skill it takes to create intricate designs, but in the stories and memories woven into each stitch. One such artist, Harriet Riddle, is pushing the boundaries of traditional embroidery by blending her experiences, travels, and deep connection to the craft.
I recently had the chance to chat with Harriet, who opened up about her creative process, her recent projects, and how her travels have influenced her approach to textiles. You can listen to our full interview on our podcast NeedleXChange.
From Life Drawing to Free Motion Embroidery
Harriet’s journey into the world of embroidery began in her childhood, where she was first taught the art of sewing by her mother and grandmother. Yet, it was her university experience that truly marked the beginning of her evolution as an artist. As a student in the Contemporary Applied Arts program at the University of Hertfordshire, Harriet was encouraged to explore a range of mediums. However, she quickly realized that following rules wasn’t her style.
“I always loved life drawing,” she shared. But I felt like I was trying and failing at everything until I went to an exhibition called Lost in Lace in Birmingham. That exhibition brought me back to the sewing machine.”
This marked a turning point. Harriet’s life drawing tutor noticed her doodles, which were an early attempt at integrating embroidery with her drawings. He suggested she bring a sewing machine into the life drawing class.
“Imagine trying to stitch while everyone around you is silent and focused. I was the one with the sewing machine making all the noise!” Harriet laughed. “But that was the eureka moment, the point when everything clicked.”
It was then that she began to explore free-motion embroidery as a form of drawing. Instead of sketching and then stitching, Harriet went straight into the fabric with her sewing machine, creating textured, spontaneous art that spoke volumes.
Embracing the Mundane: Textile as a Documentary Tool
During a summer residency in Taiwan, Harriet was asked to document the rehearsals of a religious procession. The god they were celebrating, Lord Guan, is revered for his achievements in business, war, and scholarship, but there was no direct connection to nature, which Harriet had initially hoped to explore.
“I was hoping for a connection to nature, but it was all about business and money,” she shared. “So I changed the exhibition concept to ‘A Sense of Place,’ which could encompass anything.”
During her time there, Harriet immersed herself in the energy of the rehearsals, stitching what she saw and felt in real time. Her creations reflected the intensity of the night practices, capturing the movement of the giant puppet suits, the rhythms of the drums, and the overall chaos of the event.
“The people loved seeing themselves immortalized in thread,” she said. “It was such a joy to stitch what I saw and share that with them.”
Yet, her experience wasn’t without its challenges. Harriet was not allowed to participate in the dragon dance because of her gender a rule rooted in old Taoist traditions. While Harriet found this exclusion difficult, she used it as inspiration for her work. She created a piece depicting a female temple god as a warrior, pregnant and powerful, symbolizing strength and resilience.
“I wanted to reflect on gender equality and justice, even though I later realized the scales I included in the design were a very Western symbol,” she reflected. “It’s interesting how our backgrounds and perceptions shape the way we see things.”
Glastonbury: Weaving Nature and Community into Her Work
In addition to her international experiences, Harriet’s connection to the land and community has deeply influenced her work. At the Glastonbury Festival, Harriet brought her textile art to life by using a bicycle to power her sewing machine. With no electricity in her area of the festival, children hopped onto the bike, generating the energy Harriet needed to stitch beneath a 500-year-old oak tree.
“Child labor is fantastic when it’s free!” she joked, emphasizing the community spirit at the heart of her project. “It was a wonderful experience, stitching what I could see under that oak for five days.”
The festival’s setting and the involvement of local children brought a sense of connection between Harriet’s art and the natural world. For her, capturing these fleeting moments in fabric is as much about the process as it is about the final piece.
The Art of Slow Creation
Harriet is deeply attuned to the rhythms of life—both the world around her and the pace at which she creates. As a mother, she has had to reevaluate her relationship with time and her art. “I used to think I had to work faster, make more, produce more. But it doesn’t work like that. You can’t rush the process,” she explained.
Textile art, especially free-motion embroidery, takes time—each stitch a commitment to capturing a moment, a place, a feeling. Harriet recognizes the importance of slowing down to ensure the quality and meaning of her work.
“I’ve learned that sometimes you need to take it slow. There’s no point in rushing through it. The value is in the time spent, the connection to the work, and the stories you’re telling.”
Conclusion: Stitching the Story of Life
Harriet Riddle’s work is a testament to the power of textiles to capture the essence of life. Whether she’s documenting the ordinary or the extraordinary, her embroidery serves as a reminder that art can be found in the everyday. Through her sewing machine, she immortalizes fleeting moments, offering a fresh perspective on the world around her.
As Harriet continues to push the boundaries of embroidery, one stitch at a time, she remains deeply connected to her craft, her community, and the stories that continue to unfold before her.
Once again, make sure you check out our full interview on our podcast NeedleXChange! To see more of Harriet’s work, you can follow her on Instagram.
