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.