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Original Artworks Digital Patterns Kits Archive: Digital Patterns from 2016-2023
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About the studio

Sarah K. Benning’s studio is a space where tradition meets innovation—where the time-honored craft of embroidery is reimagined through a contemporary lens with fewer rules and a little more flexibility. What began as a personal creative practice has grown into a vibrant hub for original artwork, DIY embroidery kits, digital patterns, and creative connection.

Nestled in the heart of Baltimore, Sarah’s studio is home-based—a cozy, light-filled workspace where every design is dreamed up, stitched, photographed, and packaged with care by hand. Surrounded by plants, fabric, books, and the tools of the trade, this intimate environment reflects the values of the work itself: slow, intentional, and deeply rooted in the routines of daily life.

Stemming from Sarah’s background in illustration and fine art, the studio bridges the gap between art and craft, offering pieces that invite slow looking, thoughtful making, and a deeper appreciation for everyday beauty. From meticulously stitched botanical compositions to bold, design-forward embroidery kits, everything created in the studio is grounded in a love for handwork and storytelling.

This is not just a place where work is made—it’s a place that fosters a global community of modern stitchers. Through thoughtfully designed patterns and accessible tools, the studio encourages people of all skill levels to explore embroidery as a meaningful, meditative practice where your mind can wander while your hands work.

Whether you’re here to collect original work, try your hand at stitching, or simply explore the possibilities of contemporary embroidery, you’re warmly invited to be part of the studio’s evolving story.

 
 

Meet sarah

I am a contemporary embroidery artist based in Baltimore, Maryland, working at the intersection of illustration, craft, and design. Using needle and thread as my primary tools, I reimagine the traditional boundaries of embroidery through meticulously stitched compositions inspired by domestic interiors, houseplants, and the quiet rhythms of everyday life.

My work offers a moment of stillness in a fast-paced world—an invitation to slow down and find meaning in the familiar. By challenging the perception of embroidery as purely decorative or domestic, I aim to position my work as a form of contemporary visual storytelling: intimate, expressive, and deeply rooted in craft.

I earned my BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2013, and since then my work has been featured in a range of exhibitions and publications, including Embroidered Life: The Art of Sarah K. Benning by Sara Barnes (Chronicle, 2019), which highlights my bold, contemporary style and offers insight into my creative process.

Through my studio, I produce original artworks, DIY embroidery kits, and digital patterns—all with the intention of making contemporary embroidery more accessible. Whether you're an experienced stitcher or picking up a needle for the first time, I invite you to discover the joy of this meditative and expressive craft. My work is a celebration of color, texture, and the quiet satisfaction of making something by hand—and I hope it inspires you to tap into your own creativity and settle into some satisfying stitching.

I know I can’t think of a better way to spend my time than curled up on the couch with some stitching, a cup of tea, and our kitties Qipi and Quiqueue.

 
 

for daily looks into the studio, follow along on instagram!

 

frequently asked questions

+ Is all of this embroidery really done by hand?

Yes! Each and every piece begins as a drawing before being meticulously hand stitched!

Likewise, #SKBDIY kits are entirely designed and assembled in house.

We are a very small operation dedicated to quality in all that we do!

+ How long does each embroidery take to make?

Hand embroidery is a very time consuming, labor-intensive process and each piece is different. The smallest pieces take 3-4 hours to complete while the larger works can take years. It all depends on the complexity and size of the piece.

+ Where do the embroidery designs come from?

Each embroidery begins as an original drawing either made directly on the fabric with pen or pencil or drawn digitally and printed onto stabilizer.

The imagery is inspired by houseplants, global textiles, trends in interior design, and so much more. Drawing is an integral part of the contemporary embroidery process.

+ How often is new work available?

The online shop is typically updated once a month with new collections of work. The number of pieces in each collection varies. Original works tend to sell out very quickly and priority access is always sent out in a newsletter before the update. The best way to become a collector is to join our mailing list community!

+ I have a question about my order

Please send us an email at info@sarahkbenning.com! We are committed to providing a positive experience for you and will do our best to answer any questions and to find solutions to any problems!

+ Can I commission a piece?

Commissions are not being accepted at this time, but thanks so much for the interest!

+ Is a wholesale catalog available?

Because of the slow nature of hand embroidery and our in-house small batch production of kits, we are not currently equipped to offer wholesale discounts.

+ How can I learn to embroider?

We have a selection of #SKBDIY kits and patterns that are great for learning! Kits include all the materials you'll need, while patterns are digital files and are perfect for those who already have stashes of supplies. You can also keep an eye out for contemporary embroidery workshops!

+ What are the best materials for embroidery?

I use many different materials and supplies in my studio. I have outlined my go-to, tried and true studio staples here!

+ Can I recreate a piece from this site?

Please don't. While we encourage everyone to grab a needle and thread and give embroidery a shot, please use your own creativity or seek out resources (like #SKBDIY kits or patterns!) that grant you permission to recreate a design.

The works on this site belong to Sarah K. Benning who has dedicated the past 7 years to honing her craft and developing her unique style. Don’t deny yourself the opportunity to discover your own style.

Get in touch

Still looking for answers or need to get in touch about something else? Send us an email by filling out the form below or reach us directly at info@sarahkbenning.com.