Through the efforts of our Guild’s Program Coordinator, Anni and Zoom technology, we were fortunate to have Kate Tarling as a speaker.
Kate Tarling is a textile artist with a deep passion for embroidered maps—a unique niche she’s been dedicated to for over a decade. Her journey started in childhood, surrounded by her mother’s embroidery threads, and although she studied geography and worked in journalism, she eventually found her way back to art while raising her kids.
She began with felt-based art and sold pieces at local art trails, which led her to co-found a cooperative shop in Bristol. That experience helped her gain confidence and refine her style. A real turning point came when she stitched a map as a gift for her dad—the emotional response it sparked inspired her to dive headfirst into embroidered mapmaking.
Now, she’s crafted nearly 180 maps from locations all over the world. Her process blends fabric paint, machine and hand embroidery, and appliqué, all rooted in real geography. She uses everything from Google Maps to satellite images to make sure her maps are not only beautiful but accurate. Each one tells a story—often reflecting a client’s personal connection to a place.
Most of Kate’s work comes through commissions—often from Instagram or word of mouth. She collaborates closely with clients to understand what places and features matter most, then customizes everything from the layout and colors to the landmarks included. She works on cotton canvas with silk paints and stitching, creating layers of texture and detail. Her use of appliqué, especially for things like trees, adds a lovely dimension to each piece.
Kate’s also candid about her mistakes and learning curves—like when she’s misjudged colors or landmarks—and she sees them as part of the growth. Her work has gained international recognition, even being featured in a French publication listing the world’s most beautiful maps. From Bristol to Europe, Australia, and North America, her embroidered maps have become cherished, story-rich artworks that blend precision with emotion.
In summary, Kate Tarling’s embroidered maps blend artistic craftsmanship with geographic research, resulting in intricate, meaningful textile works that resonate both emotionally and visually. You may learn more about Kate by visiting her website at https://www.katetarlingtextiles.com.