The Department of Human-Centered Design (HCD) at IIIT-Delhi invites you to a unique, hands-on workshop that blends creativity, well-being, and emerging technology.

“Dancing Threads: EmbroidARy Workshop – Where Threads Meet Augmented Reality” is an experimental session where traditional craft meets digital innovation. Organized in collaboration with Threaded by Ma and supported by the Creative Interfaces Lab (CI Lab), this workshop is part of the Art, Craft & Computation series—an initiative exploring the poetic and experimental intersections of craft, design, and computation.

At its core, the workshop embraces embroidery as a slow, mindful practice—one that encourages calmness, focus, and emotional balance. In today’s fast-paced academic environment, this tactile craft offers a meditative pause, helping participants reconnect with rhythm, material, and self-expression.

Participants will be introduced to the fundamentals of hand embroidery and will create their own stitched motifs through guided exercises. Moving beyond the physical medium, the workshop will also explore how these handcrafted pieces can be extended into interactive Augmented Reality (AR) experiences, where threads come alive—animating, responding, and communicating beyond the fabric.

By bringing together the slowness of handcraft and the speed of computation, the workshop opens up new possibilities for storytelling, interaction design, and creative exploration.

The session is beginner-friendly, and no prior experience in embroidery or coding is required. It is ideal for anyone interested in craft, mindfulness, hands-on making, or exploring the intersection of art, design, and technology.

Objectives

» Introduce embroidery as a mindful and therapeutic practice

» Create a safe, non-competitive space for creative self-expression

» Build focus, patience, and emotional resilience through rhythmic craft activity

» Encourage community bonding and peer connection in a calm, creative environment

Session Flow

» Introduction: Ice-breaker and overview of the session

» Demonstration: Introduction to basic embroidery stitches and techniques

» Guided Practice: Participants create a small handcrafted piece (bookmark, keychain, or mini hoop art)

» Reflection & Sharing: Group discussion on mindfulness, emotional experience, and takeaways

Expected Outcomes

Participants will:

» Experience a sense of calm and improved focus

» Develop better stress management and self-awareness

» Take home a handcrafted piece reflecting their effort and creativity

» Gain exposure to creative well-being practices beyond digital mediums

About the Facilitator

Sonam Srivastava is an educator and creative practitioner with over seven years of experience in teaching and academia. She discovered embroidery as a meditative and expressive art form after becoming a mother, using it as a means to cultivate calm, focus, and creativity. She is the founder of Threaded by Ma, where she shares her embroidery journey and showcases handcrafted artworks, tote bags, and accessories created for diverse clients. Her workshops combine her expertise in education with her passion for mindfulness and creativity, offering participants a nurturing and reflective learning space.

Event Details

Date: 8 April 2026
Venue: IIIT-Delhi Campus
Organizers: Department of Human-Centered Design
Event Type: Open to all
Fee: Rs. 350/- (IIITD participants), Rs. 500/- (Non-IIITD participants)

Registration & Payment

The workshop is open to all; however, prior registration is mandatory. Participants are required to complete the registration form, make the payment, and upload the payment receipt/screenshot in the form to confirm their participation.

Payment Link: Will be shared soon
No refund requests will be accepted.

Contact & Coordination

For queries or participation details, please contact:
Anoop Ratn (Faculty) - anoopratn@iiitd.ac.in
Student