The latest title in the Royal School of Needlework Guides series will be released this July.

Raised Embroidery – Techniques, Projects & Pure Inspiration by RSN Tutor, Kelley Aldridge, is a practical, instruction guide that offers a complete grounding in the techniques you need for Raised Embroidery.  It contains a comprehensive stitch guide with clear step-by-step photography and easy-to-follow expert guidance.

The book features three beautiful projects that put these techniques into practice and showcase additional advanced techniques.  The book costs £17.99 and Kelley will sign the first 100 book sales.

To reserve your copy and pre-order, click here.

If you would like the opportunity to see more of the RSN’s unique Collection, we open our doors on selected dates throughout the year to showcase some of the items.

Our current Stories in Stitch Exhibition at Hampton Court Palace has been extended until August.  At the historic heart of the exhibition there are six 17th century pieces in Stumpwork when this technique was at its most popular.

We are hosting special Curator’s Tours which include a short lecture by our Chief Executive & Curator, Dr Susan Kay-Williams; the opportunity to view further items from the Collection, rarely seen by the public; and a tour of the exhibition. A Curator’s Tour lasts for 2 hours and the next scheduled Tours are on Saturday 8 April at 10.30am and 2pm.  The Curator’s Tour costs £22 per person.  To book click here or contact Natalie Thew by email or call +44(0)2 3166 6939.

On 17 May, 21 June and 6 July, there will be a series of themed RSN Collection Study Days  presented by Dr Clare Rose who is an international expert in the history of fashion.  Dr Rose is the Senior Lecturer in Contextual Studies on the RSN Degree Course and also lectures on the History of Fashion at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London.   The topics will be Embroidery & Embellishment in Fashion (17 May and 6 July) and Underwear (21 June).

Each Study Day will include an introductory lecture and sessions examining selected examples from the Collection at close quarters. There will be opportunity for discussion and for sharing information on textiles research and collections with Clare Rose. Unfortunately we are unable to provide valulations.

Each Study Day costs £45 and runs from 10.30am – 3pm at Hampton Court Palace.

For bookings please click here or contact Natalie Thew by email or call +44(0)2 3166 6939.

Join us on Tuesday 25 April at Rugby School’s Lewis Gallery for grand opening of the RSN Midlands Certificate & Diploma Exhibition.

Featuring a wonderful variety of techniques as well as sketchbooks and design drawings from our Certificate & Diploma Students.  The exhibition opens Tuesday 25 – Friday 28 April and Tuesday 2 – Thursday 4 May, from 2pm – 5pm at Lewis Gallery, Rugby School, The Close, Off Barby Road, Rugby.  Admission is free.  Click here for more details.

If you have always wanted to learn embroidery, the exhibition will give a great insight into the different techniques.

We also have a number of Introduction Day Classes coming up in April & May at our Rugby satellite school in Arnold House, Elsee Road, Rugby, including:

Introduction to Goldwork

Crewelwork Flowers: Sunflower

Introduction to Embroidery: Canvas Stitches Boat

Whitework: Pulled Work Lily

Introduction to Blackwork

There is something for everyone! Click here for all forthcoming classes in RSN Midlands.

Spring is in full swing at the Royal School of Needlework. With new Day Classes blossoming across the country and even further afield, now is a perfect time to be stitching.

8 April: Introduction to Beadwork, Exeter

Step into summer with this stunning desert island piece and learn the basics of Beadwork. Students will experiment with sequins, beads and imitation gemstones to create a beautiful beachy design.  For more information, click here

9 April: Introduction to Tapestry Shading ‘Ladybird,’ Hampton Court Palace

Fly away home with this lovely ladybird design. Students will learn the long and short stitches behind Tapestry Shading, a technique that lends itself to figures, buildings, stylised animals and ecclesiastical work.  For more information, click here

29 April: Crewelwork Flowers ‘Sunflower,’ Rugby

Perfect for beginners, this one day class will introduce students to twelve traditional Jacobean stitches, along with shading elements, worked onto an attractive, contemporary sunflower design. For more information, click here

29 April: Introduction to Embroidery, Dorset

This introductory class enables students to experiment with a range of stitches from a variety of hand embroidery techniques. Worked into a stunning mandala design, this class will equip students with technical skills, enabling them to pursue future stitch projects.  For more information, click here

3 May: Introduction to Blackwork ‘Spring,’ Williamsburg

The RSN is delighted to be returning to Williamsburg, Virginia this May to teach a variety of one and two day classes. See your stitching skills blossom before your eyes in this beautiful spring themed class. Student will learn filling and outlining stitches in this counted Blackwork technique. The combination of black and coloured threads, finished with an embellishment of seed beads brings a contemporary twist to the traditional Blackwork technique.  For more information, click here

To view all our Day Classes, please click here or contact [email protected] or +44(0)20 3166 6938

Founded in 1872, the RSN is certainly steeped in history.   If you love history, then why not fuse it with your passion for embroidery and join us for a number of classes taking place around the UK.

RSN Tutor Helen Jones will be teaching a two Day Class in April, May and October, in Glasgow, Exeter and Hampton Court Palace respectively, using Historic Stitch to Explore Jacobean Raised Work.  The class has been inspired by a 17th Century Stumpwork piece from the RSN Collection which is currently on display in our current exhibition Stories in Stitch.  The aim of the course is to consider how Jacobean Raised Work was created, to replicate those processes and materials, as far as possible, and to place this style of work in its historical context.

In the Fashion Museum Bath, we have a few places remaining on our Day Classes in May and June.  Students can immerse themselves in the current A History of Fashion in 100 ObjectsExhibition at the Museum and take inspiration from the exhibits.  Choose from learning Decorative Embroidery inspired by a Tabbed Gauntlet Glove or beautiful Crewelwork motifs based on a 1690’s Petticoat.  The class cost includes a ticket to view the exhibition.

In Hampton Court Palace, on Sunday 21 May, students can create Embroidered Buttons inspired by Georgian Waistcoats. The embroidery on the buttons will be worked in silk floss on beautiful silk fabric. Stitches used will include Satin, Stem and Straight Stitch interspersed with gold and black spangles.  Students will be able to embroider and make up all three buttons during the class.

For bookings please click on the links above or contact Noleen Wyatt-Jones by email or call +44(0)20 3166 6938.

Due to popular demand we have extended our Stories in Stitch exhibition until August.  So if you haven’t had a chance to come and see it yet, click here for all our Talk & Tour dates.

There are different options to suit all interests including Talk & Tours; Family Tours with an embroidery Taster for the children; Tour & Taster embroidery session for the adults; as well as Curator’s Tours which include rare insights to additional pieces from the RSN Collection.

Don’t miss all your favourite stories brought to life with the Art of Hand Embroidery.  Showcasing a wide range of Hand Embroideries in Appliqué, Stumpwork and Raised Embroidery, the pieces are from the RSN’s Archive Collection and our Students.

Visitors can immerse themselves in these three enchanting techniques which lend themselves so perfectly to the world of storytelling. Whether the piece tells the whole story or just a vignette, visitors are captivated by embroideries based on songs, nursery rhymes, film scenes and ranging from the mythical to the domestic.

The RSN’s ‘Stories in Stitch’ exhibition runs until August 2017. Tours start from £16.  Bespoke Tours for groups can also be arranged.

Please note that pre-booking is essential as the exhibition is in our Embroidery Studio which is only open on certain days.

Click here for dates and to book on line or contact Natalie Thew on +44(0)20 3166 6939 and by email.

Students achieve the highest standard in the art of hand embroidery with the RSN’s Certificate & Diploma in Technical Hand Embroidery.

Whether you wish to study hand embroidery for your career, have always wanted to learn and now have the time, or simply want to keep an active mind, the RSN’s Certificate & Diploma (C&D) is a flexible course to suit everyone.  Students can begin the course at any time during the year and even choose days that suit them.

Starting with Jacobean Crewelwork, Silk Shading, Goldwork and Blackwork or Canvas Stitches, Students then continue to develop their skills and learn additional techniques on the Diploma including Appliqué, Whitework and Quilting.

There is also a choice of venues to study at: Hampton Court Palace, Bristol, Rugby, Durham and Glasgow.

Meet Ann Howden, from RSN Midlands, who is currently studying our Certificate & Diploma course:

Why did you decide to enrol on the RSN’s C&D course?I enrolled on the course because I was planning my early retirement from a busy, hectic career in sales and marketing. I started a year before I finished work and took d ays off to visit Hampton Court Palace.

What do you think are the benefits of attending the C&D course?
I love the course, even though I do other things as well it serves as a challenge and I’m always inspired by the Tutors and the other students’ work, just being in the class you learn so much.

What do you plan to do once you’ve finished your C&D course?
I consider this path my second career, because as I completed the Certificate I made small projects for family and friends and this led to a big commission as advisor and volunteer to the 11 Walsall Tapestries which will be seen at the NEC in March. Subsequently another commission for a client in the Cotswolds has emerged along with being part of a voluntary team who will Appliqué new designs to the church communion kneelers for the newly furbished Trinity Church.

Has anything inspired or surprised you on the C&D course?
All the ingredients are here at the RSN; excellent dedicated skilled master Tutors, knowledgeable, talented and supportive Students, all of whom share the same love of fine embroidery. This makes the Course rich, creative and inspirational; it’s just amazing what you can achieve.

For more information on our Certificate & Diploma course, please contact: Claire Harrington by email or call +44 (0)20 3166 6928

On 17 May, 21 June and 6 July, there will be a series of themed RSN Collection Study Days presented by Dr Clare Rose who is an international expert in the history of fashion.  Dr Rose is the Senior Lecturer in Contextual Studies on the RSN Degree Course and also lectures on the History of Fashion at the Victoria & Albert Museum.

The Study Days will give a rare insight to our Archive Textile Collection.  Normally kept behind the scenes at in Hampton Court Palace, the pieces offer an unparalleled source of history and inspiration.

The topics will be ‘Embroidery & Embellishment in Fashion’ (17 May and 6 July) and ‘Underwear’ (21 June).  Each Study Day will include an introductory lecture, followed by sessions examining selected examples from the Collection at close quarters. There will be ample opportunity for discussion and for sharing information on textiles research and collections with Clare Rose. Participants may also bring items from their personal collections for identification, however the RSN are not able to provide valuations.

The May and July Study Days will showcase the versatility of embroidery and embellishment in fashion, including a panel from a 1740s gown; men’s waistcoats from the 1770s to the 1840s; fine 1750s Dresden work, sleeve ruffles and Ayrshire work pelerine collars from the 1830s; Edwardian ‘lingerie’ blouses and embroidered accessories such as purses and slippers.

The June Study Day will focus on the role of underwear and examine how it changed to suit fashions over the years. Often embellished with lace edging, embroidered monograms and decorative insertions, underwear formed a very important part of the fashionable lady’s wardrobe.

Each Study Day costs £45 and runs from 10.30am – 3pm at Hampton Court Palace.  To book please call Natalie Thew 020 3166 6939, email [email protected] or click on the links above.

The RSN Archive Collection comprises some 60,000 specialist objects, papers, books and a wide range of embroidery.  Selections from the Collection are showcased in temporary exhibitions at the RSN – the current exhibition, Stories in Stitch, featuring 17th century pieces of Stumpwork has been extended until August.

We are delighted to announce that we will be holding four bespoke embroidery classes at the Fashion Museum Bath, one a month this summer.

Each class will feature a different technique and design inspired by clothing pieces in the Museum’s exhibition ‘A History of Fashion in 100 Objects’ and led by RSN Tutors Kate Barlow or Deborah Wilding.

Elizabethan Braid, Saturday 20 May –  Kate Barlow’s class will be inspired by a beautiful embroidered woman’s waistcoat (c:1615).   Students will recreate a section of the Needlelace and Elizabethan braid which decorates the waistcoat.

Decorative Embroidery, Saturday 17 June – Based on a pair of men’s tabbed gauntlet gloves (1600 – 1620) and taught by Kate Barlow, students will recreate the intricate embroidery and gold decoration which cover each of the tabs of the gloves. (Copyright Glove Collection Trust)

Crewelwork, Saturday 15 July – Deborah Wilding’s class is based on a Crewelwork petticoat (1690s) and students will recreate the beautiful motifs which decorate it.

Bespoke Embroidery, Saturday 19 August – Taught by Deborah Wilding, students will be inspired by a man’s embroidered coat (1770s).  In the class you will recreate the embroidery decoration which covers the front of this beautiful coat with particular attention to the buttons and pocket flaps.

The workshops are suitable for all levels and run from 10am to 4pm at Fashion Museum, Assembly Rooms, Bennett Street, Bath BA1 2QH.  Each class costs £80 which includes a ticket to the Museum.

The class kits are in addition to the cost of the class and available to buy on the day in cash only.   They will include everything you require to complete the project. You may like to bring your own embroidery scissors and you will be able to borrow ring frames, magnifiers and lights (if needed) on the day.

For more information and bookings click here or contact: Natalie Thew on +44 (0)20 3166 6939

We are never sure how our embroidery skills are going to be used from day to day in the Studio.  The following Studio story relates to an interesting application of those skills, showing just how important it is for the RSN to keep the art of hand embroidery alive.

Sokol Books Ltd are antiquarian booksellers, specialising in printed books and manuscripts from the middle ages up to the mid 17th century, including English Bibles, Psalters and Prayer Books.  These often have the luxury of beautifully embroidered bindings, made to be displayed and admired by ladies, in and on, their way to church (some had matching gloves too!).  Unfortunately these bindings are often fragile, having been subject to wear and misuse over the centuries.

Recently Sokol Books acquired a beautiful Bible, with almost no visible fabric, the covers and spine being entirely covered in silver thread worked into intricate patterns and design ie.embroidered. However much of this was loose, lifting from the surface of the material and in danger of being lost.

Our skilled Studio stitchers secured the loose bullion on the front and back of the spine, couched the edge of the Bible and secured the gold, leaves and bird wing. They then reproduced one of the leaves, making it look old and applied it to the binding.

Sokol Books commented:  “The RSN Embroidery Studio has done a magnificent job of restoration and repair. The binding is now sound and safe, and looks exactly as it should be without any obvious signs of the considerable work that must have been done to achieve such a good result.”

For more information on our Embroidery Studio, please click here or call +44 (0)20 3166 6940.

We are on a mission to cast aside the misconception that embroidery is only done by women to encourage more men to take up this traditional skill and art.

Dr Susan Kay-Williams, Chief Executive of the Royal School of Needlework said:

“The art of hand embroidery is for men, women, young and old.  It can appeal to so many people for different reasons.  Some of our students learn embroidery as a therapeutic hobby, whilst others are very much looking to enhance their skills for their career, in particular, with the resurgence of embroidery in fashion.

“The current Opus Anglicanum exhibition at London’s V&A Museum showcases magnificent craftsmanship of medieval embroidery which was very sought after in its time and interestingly, stitched by both men and women.  As always, fashion trends come and go, and we are delighted that hand embroidery is back in demand.  We want to encourage more people to take up this art as their new hobby and to ensure that these traditional skills continue to pass on to new generations.”

Meet some of our male students who featured in a recent photoshoot and find out why they have chosen to learn hand embroidery at the Royal School of Needlework.

Brian Hunt, aged 76 from Rugby said: “I really enjoy studying with the RSN. I’ve met so many good friends and learnt so much in the five years I’ve now been doing it.”  Brian studies the Advanced Diploma in Technical Hand Embroidery at RSN in Rugby.

Devvrut Patel, aged 19 from Kingston-upon-Thames, south west London, studies the BA (Hons) Hand Embroidery for Fashion, Interiors, Textile Art at the RSN in Hampton Court Palace: “The best part of studying hand embroidery at the Royal School of Needlework is the atmosphere we are in.  As soon as you walk in to the Palace you just get inspiration from everywhere.”

RSN Tutor Owen Davies was the first male student to graduate from the RSN’s Apprenticeship and commented: “There has definitely been an increase with more men picking up a needle. Even though when I mention my profession I still see a few raised eyebrows, I no longer feel I have to justify what I’m doing and why.”

If you know anyone who would like to learn the art of hand embroidery, we have many different Introduction Classes in February and March.  Click on the link for more details.

RSN Midlands will be exhibiting a wide range of pieces from its Certificate & Diploma in Technical Hand Embroidery Course.

The exhibition will feature a variety of techniques including Jacobean Crewelwork, Silk Shading, Blackwork and Goldwork as well as sketchbooks and design drawings, giving visitors a unique insight into projects from beginning to end.

The RSN Midlands Exhibition is open to the public from Tuesday 25 – Friday 28 April and Tuesday 2 – Thursday 4 May, from 2pm – 5pm. The exhibition is at Rugby School’s Lewis Gallery, The Close, off Barby Road, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV22 5DP.  Entrance is free.

Royal School of Needlework Tutor for RSN Midlands, Nicola Jarvis says:

“We are delighted to showcase the stunning work from our students and very proud of what they have achieved.  The exhibition is an ideal opportunity for people to see our students’ work close up. Whether they are interested in hand embroidery, sewing, arts and crafts or just interested in what we do, we would be delighted to welcome them to the exhibition.”