News Archives

From historical embroidery to sumptuously illustrated books guaranteed to inspire, see our top picks for an embroidery lovers ultimate Autumn reading list, curated by our Head of Retail.

Tudor Textiles – Eleri Lynn

2. Liberty: Design. Pattern. Colour

3. Floral Patterns of India

4. Spectrum: Heritage Patterns and Colour

5: May Morris by Lynn Hulse

6: Interwoven Globe, The World Textile Trade, 1500-1800 by Amelia Peck

7: Royal School of Needlework 1880 Handbook of Embroidery

We are thrilled to announce that due to popular demand, ‘Hand Embroidery: Skills & Studies’ will now be taught Online as well as at RSN Durham, during both term time, and as an intensive course in April 2026.

Developed and taught by RSN Tutor Tracy Franklin, this is an exciting and unique course, allowing you to explore, develop and sample stitch ideas, and also examine and research hand embroidery.

The course is taught on a modular basis, focus on specific techniques per term. Modules include: Knots, Purls, Pattern, Grids, and can each be booked individually.

To find out more and register your interest for the course, click here

We’re delighted to announce our return to the Knit & Stitch Show this October at Alexandra Palace, London!

This year, you’ll find us at Stand C28, where we’re celebrating the beauty of the natural world. Our display ties into the RSN’s exciting new initiative, Fragile Threads, which champions biodiversity through the art of embroidery. Expect to be inspired by exquisite floral and fauna themed pieces crafted by our talented RSN Students and Tutors.

Back by popular demand, our demo frame will be ready for you to pick up a needle and have a go at stitching yourself. You’ll also be able to browse and shop a range of RSN products, plus enter our Day Class Prize Draw for a chance to win £150 towards a class.

Ticket Discount

We’re pleased to share a special offer from the show organisers: use code RSN25 to receive £2 off general admission tickets for the London, Harrogate, and Northern Ireland Shows. For the chance to win a pair of tickets to the show, be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook @RoyalNeedlework where we will be soon be running a giveaway!

👉 Purchase your show tickets here

See you there!

Work featured by:

Joanne Bentley
Susannah Weiland
Anna Marta Plonka
Janine Mendham

We are always delighted to follow the journeys of RSN Graduates and see the creative and inspiring paths they pursue.

This year, we are especially proud to announce that several of our talented Graduates have been selected as finalists in the prestigious Hand & Lock Prize for Embroidery, an international award that attracts exceptional talent from across the globe.

RSN Student Fashion Category Finalists

Philippa Palmer – @philippa_palmer.needlework
Clara Donald – @clara.needlework
Edith Miller – @edith.stitches
Charlotte Farrant – @charlottefarrant_embroidery
Madelaine Walker – @madelainerose_embroidery

RSN Student Textile Category Finalists

Severina Seidl – @severina.seidl_textiles
Ruta Malik – @rutamalik_embroidery
Lucy May – @embroiderthetruth

RSN Open Textile Category Finalist

RSN Tutor Kate Pankhurst – @kate_artofstitch

We wish all our Graduates the very best of luck at the Prize Giving in November, and we can’t wait to see their beautiful work celebrated on an international stage.

Follow the Hand & Lock Prize on Instagram here

*Work featured by: Severina Seidl, Philippa Palmer, Ruta Malik and Clara Donaldson.

We recently caught up with Katie Bell, one of our Professional Embroidery Tutor Programme Students! Read on to find out more about Katie and her journey.

What drew you to the course?

I applied because I wanted to combine my love of embroidery with my creative background. During Covid, I completed the Level 3 Award in Education and Training, so when I saw the Professional Embroidery Tutor Programme was open for applications, I knew it was exactly what I’d been looking for. I’m so happy I was accepted onto the course.

Do you come from a stitching background?

Loosely. My Granddad was a tailor in Hereford. My mum was a Norland Nanny (skilled in beautifully hand-making children’s clothes and repairing them – I still have her smocked dresses she intricately made), so naturally I grew up hand stitching with her, which developed over the years into making my own patchwork quilts and doing embroidery kits, so it has always been a hobby. I’ve always been artistic and had a 25-year career in graphic design, specialising in branding, working at Sky and Sotheby’s among others.

What’s been your experience of your first year?

I can’t believe how quickly the year has gone. It has been full-on, all-encompassing, and I have loved every minute. All the embroidery techniques have been completely new to me, so it has been overwhelming at times. We are so lucky to be learning from such experienced, patient, and generous Tutors. I really enjoy learning about the historical contexts of each technique and the artistic element in planning my design and stitch plan. Every time I walk through the doors into Hampton Court and the RSN classroom, I know I’m going to learn something invaluable and have a brilliant time with like-minded friends.

What has been your favourite technique you have learnt so far?

That’s a tricky one! Probably Silk Shading or Jacobean Crewelwork. I really took to Silk Shading – I loved working on my shallot piece; it just flowed for me. But I also loved Jacobean Crewelwork, despite many setbacks, because it was such a steep learning curve; and with the multitude of new stitches to learn, I am proud of what I achieved.

What are you looking forward to in your next two years?

I am looking forward to Stumpwork and the Tapestry Shaded figure—my creative brain is already buzzing with ideas! Overall, I just want to absorb as much as I can from the Tutors, my fellow students, and the environment of the RSN. This is such a special opportunity, so I don’t want the three years to fly by too fast!

We wish Katie all of the best for the next two years, and cannot wait to see all that she achieves! Follow Katie’s Instagram here

As Autumn approaches, see all the events, exhibitions, day classes and more coming to the RSN this month.

Day & Evening Classes, Online

Making Textures with Beads and Sequins, from Wednesday 17 September

Learn to Draw for Embroiderers 1:’Essential Drawing Skills’ US Time, from Tuesday 23 September – 4 SPACES LEFT

Day & Evening Classes, Hampton Court Palace

Visible Mending and Sustainable Fashion, Saturday 20 September

Nadiya: An Introduction to Ukrainian Whitework Embroidery, Saturday 27 September

Events & Exhibitions

‘Divine and Mythical Creatures from the RSN Collection & Archive’ NEW exhibition, Hampton Court Palace, September 2025 – June 2026

Live Online Talks

Divine and Mythical Creatures from the RSN Collection & Archive: Exhibition Preview, with Dr Isabella Rosner, Wednesday 27 September

Future Dates for your diary

The Knit&Stitch Show, Alexandra Palace, London, 9 – 12 October

As summer approaches and travel plans become reality, why not pack a little creativity alongside your sunhat and flipflops?

Our RSN Online Video Courses are fully self-paced, making them the ideal companion for your holiday downtime. With expert instructions by RSN trained Tutors, with on-demand access, you can start or continue your embroidery journey wherever your summer takes you. There’s no need to be online at a set time, just stitch when it suits you.

From beginners picking up a needle for the first time to seasoned stitchers looking to refine their technique, our range of courses offers something for everyone. Choose from core techniques like Blackwork, Crewelwork, and Goldwork, or try your hand at contemporary designs that bring a fresh twist to traditional skills.

So whether you’ve got 10 minutes between sightseeing or a whole afternoon to relax, you can make creative progress in your own time and space.

Explore our full range of RSN Online Video Courses today and take your embroidery wherever you go.

See the courses here

See all the events, exhibitions, classes and more happening at the RSN in August.

International Summer School Classes – Hampton Court Palace

Blackwork, Arts and Crafts Cushion: Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 August

Forget me Nots Inspired by the Coronation Robe of Estate: Saturday 16 – Tuesday 19 August

Canvas and Gold Florentine Frog Prince: Sunday 17 & Monday 18 August

An Italian Sampler: Monday 18 – Friday 22 August

Castle of Happiness: Tuesday 19 – Thursday 21 August

Jacobean Crewelwork ‘Tree of Life’: Wednesday 20 – Sunday 24 August – 2 spaces left

Exploring Drawing and Inspiration for Embroiderers: Monday 25 – Friday 29 August

Creative Contemporary Embroidery: Monday 25 – Friday 29 August – 2 spaces left

Tudor Rose Inspired by Hampton Court Palace: Tuesday 26 – Saturday 30 August

Back to Basics: ‘Blackwork’: Tuesday 26 & Wednesday 27 August – 2 spaces left

Stumpwork River Swan: Wednesday 27 – Sunday 31 August – 4 spaces left

Captivating Crewelwork: ‘Little Bird & Butterflies’ – Wednesday 27 – Sunday 31 August – 4 spaces left

Stitching History: Royal School of Needlework Collection & Archive Study Days – Thursday 28 & Friday 29 August

Introduction to Hand Quilting: ‘Quilted Needlecase’: Saturday 30 August – 1 space left

RSN Experience Classes

A Wheel of Blackwork Tulips RSN Experience Class at Hillsborough Castle: Saturday 23 August – 2 spaces left

Events & Exhibitions

‘Stitched Together: Needlework Research and Making’ Needlework Conference: Hampton Court Palace, 21 & 22 August – booking closes 7 August

Open Days and Info Sessions

Certificate & Diploma in Technical Hand Embroidery Online Info Session: 13 August, 1pm GMT

Future dates for your Diary

‘Divine and Mythical Creatures from the RSN Collection & Archive’ NEW exhibition, Hampton Court Palace, September 2025 – June 2026

We are very fortunate with the variety of commissions that come through the RSN Embroidery Studio, and a few weeks ago we were delighted to be challenged with the refurbishment of a Duke’s coronet.

The coronet had already been re-gilded before it arrived with us and was looking very smart. It was fascinating to see the internal structure of the piece, particularly how small holes had been incorporated into the framework during its original construction to allow for the addition of inner fabric—something you would never notice when viewing a finished coronet.

Our first task was selecting an appropriate velvet—not just the correct colour, but also the right weight so that it would pleat and fold beautifully. We then created a custom pattern in calico, using close-up photographs we had taken of a previous coronet that came to us for cleaning and repair. This section is known as the velvet cap of maintenance, and is reminiscent in structure to an old-fashioned mop cap.

Traditionally, the base of the cap is trimmed with ermine. For this coronet, we carefully crafted the trim using a couple of vintage stoles. This section was gently padded to create the classic rounded shape and to provide a base onto which we could securely stitch. Both the padding and velvet were stitched through the pre-made holes in the coronet’s structure.

As a finishing touch, we added a beautiful gold tassel in the centre of the cap of maintenance, completing the coronet’s refurbishment in fitting style.

Do you have an object you would like made, restored or conserved?
Contact the RSN Embroidery Studio Team or visit the website today for bespoke embroidery commissions, restoration, and conservation services.

We always enjoy a challenge at the RSN Embroidery Studio, so when we were approached by furniture designer Florencia Bacci to collaborate on one of her chairs, we were excited to be involved.

The chair was inspired by swans and, although cast in bronze and extremely heavy, retained the elegance that swans naturally radiate, with their elongated necks and smooth feathers. The chair arrived already upholstered, and we set about planning how best to bring Florencia’s vision to life.

Feathers were to be added to the top, bottom, sides, front, and back of the seat. Since the chair was already fully constructed, everything had to be secured in place using a curved needle. We carefully considered the placement of each feather to ensure a natural flow, avoiding any obvious rows or start and end points. The aim was to make the feathers appear to glide around the chair as effortlessly as a swan on water.

Some feathers were stitched in place in batches, while others were applied individually where needed. We also varied their lengths and the degree of curl to help them wrap neatly around the contours of the seat, particularly the curved edges.

The finished chair is a stunning and distinctive piece of furniture, showcasing a beautiful contrast of materials, surfaces, and textures. All feathers used were sustainably sourced.

Do you have an object you would like made, restored or conserved?

Contact the RSN Embroidery Studio Team or visit the website today for bespoke embroidery commissions, restoration, and conservation services.

We learn so many interesting stories in the RSN Embroidery Studio when pieces arrive with their own fascinating histories. A client recently brought in a Girl Guide County Standard. Many of our team had been members of the Guiding movement, so we were expecting to see the type of flag typically carried at parades. Instead, we were delighted to receive a beautifully worked piece with an extensive and unique history, which the client kindly shared with us.

In 1918, Lady Olave Baden-Powell was appointed Chief Guide. She had previously served as the first County Commissioner for all of Sussex and was succeeded by her friend, Dame Alice Godman of South Lodge, Lower Beeding. It was Dame Alice and her daughters who created the Standard, using material from Dame Alice’s own wedding dress, which had been dyed blue. The trefoil, martlets, and bordure were made of gold kid leather from a pair of her gloves. The dolphins were fashioned from silver metal brocade, and the trees were embroidered in various shades of green floss silk.

The Standard is 94 inches (238 cm) long and 30 inches (76 cm) wide at the hoist, tapering to 10 inches. The fly is swallow-tailed. The “field” or background is made from blue brocade. As in all Guide Standards, the trefoil is placed in the position of honour, nearest the hoist. Next to the trefoil is the county badge of Sussex: six gold martlets placed in a blue lozenge outlined in gold. There are seven green trees in foliage to represent the seven inland divisions, while the dolphins symbolise the seaside divisions.

One side of the Standard features the Girlguiding motto, “Be Prepared.” The other side bears the Godman family motto: “Coelum quid quaerimus ultra” (“What do we desire beyond heaven?”). The Standard is edged with a blue and gold braid and finished with a blue fringe.

In 1997, the Standard was conserved by the RSN Embroidery Studio. It recently returned to us for a little more tender loving care. During this visit, we conserved all 12 silver dolphins by removing previously applied conservation net and lining. We then surface-couched the silver fabric and applied new conservation net and outlining. To do this, we had to deconstruct two sides of the Standard, which gave us better access and allowed the use of a straight needle rather than a curved one.

While the Standard was apart, we also took the opportunity to give it a general tidy, securing any loose threads or fabric, and gave it a light surface clean. The piece was returned in excellent condition, ready to be preserved and shared for generations to come.

Do you have an object you would like made, restored or conserved?

Contact the RSN Embroidery Studio Team or visit the website today for bespoke embroidery commissions, restoration and conservation services.