We often say in the RSN Embroidery Studio that pieces come along like buses, all at once, and this has certainly been the case with chairs over the last 18 months.

We were approached by a client who had commissioned a chair to be upholstered in the most amazing fabric, depicting country scenes and fishermen, all in shade of green on a pale cream coloured background. The client wanted to refurbish a second chair that would sit with this one and commissioned us to embroider one of the Fishermen.

The embroidery was on a plain off-white linen for the back of the chair, and the seat was also in off-white, with the special fabric used in other areas on the chair. The embroidery was worked in several different weights of thread and only in three shades of green, with a fourth thread of a dark grey blue as a low light.

The design from the fabric to be made in embroidery was quite sketchy in appearance, so the embroidery used a combination of stitches that could be worked in such a way that they appear to be drawn, thus replicating the feel of the original fabric design. Only the main lines of the design were transferred onto the fabric and stitched, whilst the rest were stitched freehand as if sketched with stitch straight onto the fabric. This is a great way to embroider, and the team really enjoy the freedom of this process. It also allows the studio embroiderer to use their amazing skill and add their own feel to the piece, making it an individual, unrepeatable piece of embroidery. The chair will be finished with a cushion made in the original fabric that will sit perfectly below the embroidery.

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.

The RSN Embroidery Studio was recently approached by a gentleman who, while travelling, had embroidered a full set of dining room chair seats. He had enjoyed using them but fancied a change, so he removed them from the chairs and had them reupholstered. He then came to us for suggestions on what to do with the embroidered pieces.

They had been beautifully worked in canvas work—a slow, detailed embroidery technique that takes many hours to complete. With so much effort involved, it would have been a shame not to reuse them in some way. We suggested transforming the pieces into a rug.

Of course, it wasn’t that straightforward, as a chair seat, when laid flat, is not a square or rectangular shape. The team put on their thinking caps and turned to pencil and paper. We wanted to preserve as much of the embroidery as possible and were keen to avoid cutting through the client’s hard work.

With meticulous planning, the team cleverly positioned the individual pieces to form a cohesive rug. The canvas pieces had two different background colours, so we arranged several layout options and sent images to the client, who chose their preferred combination. Once the canvases were joined, the rug was edged with a suitable fabric to create an even rectangular shape. It was then interlined, lined, and finished with non-slip strips stitched to the back, making it safe for use on both laminate and carpeted floors.

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 often have returning clients to the RSN Embroidery Studio, and it is always special for us when we do. This client owned many beautiful pieces of embroidery produced by her great-grandmother, all of which are very precious to her. This particular piece had originally been a chair seat and had been well-used, loved, and enjoyed. However, over time, the background fabric had become brittle and deteriorated, developing large splits in the background.

It was decided that once restored, the piece would be transformed into a cushion. This would allow it to continue being appreciated, without the wear and tear that comes from being sat on.

The embroidery was lightly surface cleaned using a low-suction conservation hoover to remove any surface dust. The design was traced as a record for repositioning onto the new background. The original background fabric was removed by cutting as close to the embroidery as possible. A new fabric, onto which the embroidery is placed, was chosen with the client.

Once placed onto the new fabric, the embroidery was stitched around the outside and throughout the piece and finally edged with couching to enclose the raw edge and blend the embroidery onto the new fabric. Once all the restoration was completed, it was made into a cushion with matching piping. This precious embroidery can now be enjoyed once again.

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 are delighted to introduce the exceptional work of RSN Third Year Degree students as they approach their graduation this June. Here’s a glimpse of their Major Projects, which will be on display at New Designers in London this July.

 

Beatriz Braga – “ALCHEMIA – The Design of Time”

ALCHEMIA – The Design of Time, is an art installation by hand embroiderer Beatriz Braga, inspired by how time can act as a designer through a series of alchemical processes and how this can contribute to a new understanding of what it means to design. By looking at processes like oxidisation, friction and sedimentation, Beatriz rethinks her own creative practice by including tarnished and worn materials.

Follow Beatriz on Instagram

 

Charlotte Farrant – “The Codification of Stitch”

The Codification of Stitch explores the intrinsic link between a person’s garment and how they are understood by society. The embellishment used within garments can dramatically alter how a garment is read, enabling the viewer to understand more. Inspired by Anne Lister’s coded diary writing and her own fascination with mechanics, Charlotte has developed a codification of embroidery stitches that can be directly translated into Lister’s coded diaries.

Follow Charlotte on Instagram

 

Clara Donald – “My Heritage”

Clara Donald’s latest collection draws inspiration from time spent in Scotland with her family, reflecting on both the striking beauty and the stark, unforgiving aspects of the Scottish landscape. One of her earliest influences was a detailed painting of a Scottish thistle in her grandfather’s home with the following inscription, ‘Thistle wild, proud and free, blooming where none dare to be.’ This sparked a deeper exploration of Scotland’s flora and fauna, a land where both of her grandfathers originate.

Follow Clara on Instagram

 

Gwyneth Melling – “Welcome to the Valley of the Tallest Waterfall – In the Tallest Waterfall’s Pool”

The Valley of the Tallest Waterfall manifests in our world as embroidered textile sculptures. Each creature is half life-sized, giving the viewer a window into this new fantasy world. Gwyneth’s practice hinges on imaginative storytelling, frequently aiming to question binary boundaries between ‘real’ and ‘imaginary’ through the creation of a new, embroidered environment to create tension between the conventionally-real world and the new world of her own.

Follow Gwyneth on Instagram

 

Izzy Ager – “Tracing Floral Journeys”

Tracing Floral Journeys explores the journeys and findings of botanical illustrators from the late 17th century up to the present day, such as Edith Holden and Catherine Hamilton. Both created diaries to document their journeys and everyday life, accompanied with an illustration of botany. Reflecting their processes, hand embroidery artist, Izzy Ager, explored the shapes and patterns of flora collected over her travels to historical places and gardens near her and in Surrey and its outskirts, to develop her ideas for this collection.

Follow Izzy on Instagram

 

Olaitan Onibuje – “Echoes of my Ancestors”

Echoes of my Ancestors is a collection of caps and canvas jackets inspired by streetwear, by hand embroiderer, Olaitan Onibuje. The main themes draw on her personal history, culture and heritage that have formed her identity.

This body of work highlights the importance of different cultures coming together to form someone’s identity. Growing up with two immigrant parents, Olaitan was raised with their Nigerian values as well as having her own, being brought up in Ireland and the UK. She shows her appreciation for her culture and her parents through the use of embroidery, her love of patterns and organic form, using traditional pre-colonial art as an inspiration.

Follow Olaitan on Instagram

 

Ruta Malik – “I See You: Noticing the Unnoticeable”

In the fast-moving world, everyone is rushing and it becomes more difficult to see commonplace things. The intricacies of the natural world often get dismissed and taken for granted. I See You: Noticing the Unnoticeable, hand embroiderer Ruta Malik’s most recent collection, is about appreciating the ordinary. It consists of two pieces – The Stone Cut in Half and Fragmented. This is the artist’s personal response to noticing the details in everyday life: sharing her feeling of awe in relation to simple objects and transforming them into tangible pieces of art.

Follow Ruta on Instagram

 

Would you like to see these pieces in person?

Come along to New Designers in London this July to see the Major Projects in detail, and to chat to our Degree Graduate Students about their work.

 

Follow the RSN Degree on Instagram

With so many wonderful classes to choose from for our International Summer School, we want to help you pick the class (or classes!) that are right for you and your ability level, to ensure you have the best time!

 

For Beginners

For complete embroidery beginners, if you are a little ‘rusty’, or if you would just simply prefer to start at the beginning again (which is a very good place to start!) then you might choose a class aimed at Beginners. Our Beginner classes are suitable for those who have little to no experience of embroidery and will be taught all the fundamental stitches required to get started.

You can also look at classes marked as ‘Mixed Ability’, which are suitable for all levels. Our Tutors are well versed in adjusting their teaching to ensure everyone receives the right level of tuition to match their experience, so you progress confidently with the design.

See our Beginner and Mixed Ability classes

 

Intermediate Classes

If you have already attended a Beginners/Mixed Ability class, you may feel ready to stretch yourself a little further and take an Intermediate class. These classes are perfect for those who already have some experience with embroidery and are looking to expand their skills further and take the next step.

If you are unsure, check the class description on the booking page to see if a Tutor specifies the level of experience needed.

See our Intermediate classes

 

Advanced Classes

Advanced classes are the perfect choice for stitchers who wish to build on skills already learnt. We recommend that to take one of our Advanced classes, you should be confident with all basic embroidery stitches, and experience in the specific technique of the class is advantageous.

See our Advanced classes

 

What is Included?

Onsite Classes at Hampton Court Palace Include: Class kit, exclusive talks, themed palace tours, lunch each day, discount for local accommodation, a welcome gift and a certificate of attendance.

Online Classes Include: Class kit, exclusive online talks, a welcome gift, a certificate of attendance and access to class recordings.

 

Have a question about our International Summer School?

Get in touch with us and email [email protected].

See all International Summer School classes here

The RSN is home to more than 10,000 unique and priceless Collection and Archive pieces.  In April 2024, we celebrated the launch of the RSN Collection & Archive website, with 100 objects from the RSN Collection.  One year on, and there are now 250 objects listed on the website, from across the world.

The website is part of our mission to make the treasures of the RSN accessible to a wider online audience and we would love for you to join us for this free online event.

On Wednesday 25 June, during the round table discussion, RSN Curator, Dr Isabella Rosner, will be in conversation with a panel of some of those involved in the project and using the website to inform their work, sharing their stories, from the development process through to the website you can enjoy today. These textile and paper objects span centuries and continents, revealing stories of everything from Arts and Crafts movement designers to Queen Mary’s textile collection.

You will have the opportunity to pose questions to the panel and to learn how this wonderful free resource will contribute to your own world of stitch…and, who knows what treasures will be revealed!

The RSN Collections website can be accessed free of charge, anywhere in the world. It features comprehensive catalogue entries, including high-definition images for each object with the option to view stitches up close, maker’s names, dates, places, stitches, motifs, techniques and extensive descriptions.  You can also find out more about the techniques and stitches featured via handy links to RSN Stitch Bank.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those who have supported the RSN in opening the doors to our unique Collection and Archive through the RSN Collections website, as well as RSN Stitch Bank, the free online world directory of stitches.  Our aim is to make embroidery accessible for everyone, all around the world, and ensure we pass on our skills to new generations. Without your generous donations, these initiatives would not be possible. Thank you.

Explore the RSN Collection & Archive website

Explore RSN Stitch Bank website

Donate to the RSN Collection & Archive here

Sponsor a stitch on RSN Stitch Bank here

Explore all RSN Online Talks here

For Mental Health Awareness Week, from 12 – 18 May, the RSN is celebrating the therapeutic power of hand embroidery. In a fast-paced, digital world, stitching offers a calming, mindful escape with remarkable effects on the mind.

The simple, repetitive motion of needle and thread helps quiet racing thoughts, reduce anxiety, and encourage focus.

 

Hand Embroidery is..

Read the stories of some of the RSN’s supporters and how embroidery has supported their mental health:

“I am autistic, and the beneficial effects of embroidery are more than I can put into words. The rhythm brings me peace, calms anxiety and drains negativity. It is such a calming activity as well as being beautifully creative. I have stitched in one form or another all my life (I am now 72). I do not exaggerate in saying it has been—and still is—a lifesaver. It is my absolute favourite pursuit.” – Lynn

 

“Embroidery has woven itself into the fabric of my life. It’s a grounding force amidst chaos, a way to express creativity, and a source of both solitary reflection and community connection. Whether it’s a cup of tea in the autumn sun or a few stitches after a busy day, each moment brings me peace. The most satisfying part? Watching my skills blossom over time.” – Sonya

 

“When I was at one of my lowest points, I found an embroidery kit under my bed. I picked it up and started playing around with it. At first it was cross-stitch, but then I moved to embroidery and loved it even more. It gave me something to do with my hands and took my mind off everything. It gave me a creative outlet to express emotions. That’s why I’ll always credit embroidery with saving my life.” – Colby

 

Join the RSN at the Hampton Court Palace ‘Feel Good Festival’, 16 – 18 May

As part of the Hampton Court Palace ‘Feel Good Festival’, the RSN will be running daily 90 min embroidery workshops, where visitors can stitch a Colourful Peacock motif and experience the calming, creative benefits of embroidery. These sessions offer a space to unwind, reconnect, and discover the mental wellbeing that can be found in every stitch.

Book your place here

Relax your mind and step into the serene surroundings of Hampton Court Palace for a day of hand embroidery, or learn online in the tranquility of home. Explore RSN Onsite and Online Day & Evening Classes or join our summer festival at the International Summer School, online and at Hampton Court Palace.

Work featured by:

• RSN Japan Certificate student Li Jue
• RSN Hampton Court Palace Certificate student Angela Anderson
• RSN Online Certificate student Chinami Aso
• RSN Hampton Court Palace Certificate student Susan Ghosh

Delve in to all the exciting events, exhibitions, classes and more happening at the RSN in May!

 

Online Day & Evening Classes, Beginners to Advanced, Variety of Techniques, Across Different Time Zones

Designing for Blackwork: Monday 5 May

Hardanger Hearts & Flowers Needlebook: Weekly, from Wednesday 7 May – Wednesday 11 June

Introduction to Goldwork ‘William Morris Inspired’: Weekly, from Wednesday 7 – Wednesday 25 May

Introduction to Goldwork: ‘Summer Leaf’: Weekly, from Thursday 8 – Thursday 22 May

Silk Shaded Mushroom and Stumpwork Butterfly Box: Weekly, from Friday 16 May – Friday 4 July

Goldwork Map Making: Weekly, from Tuesday 20 May – Tuesday 10 June

William Morris Inspired Strawberry Brooch: Weekly, from Thursday 29 May – Thursday 5 June

 

Hampton Court Palace Classes

An Introduction to Schwalm Embroidery – ‘Tulip & Heart’: Saturday 10 & Sunday 11 May

Visible Mending: Sunday 18 May

Introduction to Goldwork – ‘Buzzy The Bee’: Tuesday 20 May

Experimental Goldwork: Saturday 24 May

Koala In the Eucalyptus: Saturday 24 – Monday 26 May – 2 PLACES LEFT

 

RSN Experience Classes

Beaded Blooms Experience Class Inspired by 17th Century Basket: Holburne Museum, Bath, Friday 9 May – 1 PLACE LEFT

Goldwork Fleur de Lys Brooch Experience Class: The Drapers’ Hall, London, Monday 12 May

Events & Exhibitions

Exclusive Online Drawing Event: Tuesday 6 May, to celebrate 5 years since our first Live Online Day Class in May 2020.

‘Feel Good Festival’ Workshop – ‘Colourful Peacock’ in Hand Embroidery: Hampton Court Palace, Friday 16, Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 May *a ticket to the festival must be purchased, or show your Historic Royal Palaces members card*

‘Handstitched Heritage’: RWA Bristol, 16 May – 15 June, an exhibition of RSN Apprentice and Future Tutor Alumni work.

 

Live Online Talks

The Exciting World of Early Medieval Textiles and Embroidery in Britain: With Textile Historian and RSN Tutor, Dr Alexandra Makin, Wednesday 7 May, 7:00pm GMT

Women and Modern/Contemporary Textile Art: With Art Historian, Ferren Gipson, Wednesday 21 May, 7:00pm GMT

 

Dates for your diary

Certificate & Diploma Online Info Session: Monday 16 June, 9:00am GMT

New Designers: Graduate Art & Design Showcase, Business Design Centre, London, 2 – 5 July, stand T46

RSN Scotland Stitch Social: The Glasgow Art Club, Scotland, 19 July 10am-4pm

 

This summer, we will celebrate the heritage of the RSN and its unique historic collection with a carefully curated online Summer Series of classes in July and a dedicated onsite Summer School at Hampton Court Palace in August.

Delving into the school’s Collection and Archive, our expert Tutors have created a series of classes that engage with different techniques and collection pieces. Some of the Collection and Archive inspired classes will also offer an opportunity to see the objects in person and to learn more about them from our curators.

We will also celebrate the central role of the RSN Embroidery Studio through a series of kits designed by the RSN Embroidery Studio, each linked to a significant moment in the RSN’s history. Both Onsite and Online students will have the opportunity to step ‘through the Studio door’, either virtually or in person.

All classes will connect to the rich heritage of the RSN, so whether you are immersing yourself in art or creating your own masterpiece with previously loved materials, there will be a story to tell.

For the first time, we are offering ‘Collection and Archive Study Days’, led by RSN Curators Dr. Isabella Rosner and Vicky Bevan. This two-day course will provide a unique opportunity to engage with the treasures of the RSN, explore embroidery history through field trips and guest speakers, and learn about textiles both past and present.

For those learning at Hampton Court Palace, there will be talks and special visits, and there will be a series of talks to complement the Online classes.

Our Chief Executive, Rhian Harris, will welcome Onsite attendees, and give a series of Zoom sessions to Online participants. Rhian will share insights from her first year at the helm of the RSN and offer a glimpse into her vision for the future. Whether Online or Onsite, there will be ample opportunity for questions.

In the coming months, we will introduce each of the Tutors and their classes, provide regular updates, and share an itinerary so you have all the information you need.

Thinking of booking more than one class, or coming with a friend? Receive an £80 discount when booking two classes, and £160 off when booking three or more!

We look forward to seeing you for an unforgettable summer of stitch!

Browse Online International Summer School Classes

Browse Hampton Court Palace International Summer School Classes

Taking place at the Royal West of England Academy (RWA) in Bristol, Handstitched Heritage will showcase the work of RSN Apprentice and Future Tutor alumni.

Linked by their extensive training, more than 30 artists will exhibit pieces that highlight the incredible range and depth of traditional hand embroidery techniques.

All the independent exhibitors work in education, teaching these heritage skills at the highest level to ensure they are passed on to the next generation while also maintaining their own artistic practices. This is the first time they have come together to exhibit their work collectively, making this a truly exciting event. Exhibitors will be available to answer questions and provide further insight into the work on display.

The exhibition will run alongside ‘Soft Power: lives told through textile art’, an international contemporary textile art exhibition curated by Professor Alice Kettle and Professor Lesley Millar MBE.

The RWA, located in the heart of Bristol, offers a diverse programme of exhibitions, events, workshops, talks, and lectures. Committed to making great art accessible to all, they aim to promote the understanding and enjoyment of art to the widest possible audience.

Handstitched Heritage will run from Wednesday 16 May – Friday 13 June, at RWA in Bristol, and is free to enter. Tickets to ‘Soft Power: lives told through textile art’ can be purchased for £8.50.  The RSN is proud to be cosponsor of this wonderful exhibition.

For more Information about the exhibition, follow Handstitched Heritage on Instagram and  here

Meet our RSN Tutor’s here

 

Work by RSN Tutors Deborah Wilding, Sarah Smith and Zinaida Kazban

During Mental Health Awareness Week, 12-18 May, we celebrate hand embroidery and how it brings people together from across the world, to form a wonderful and colourful community through the language of stitch.

Hand embroidery allows your mind to rest and can significantly benefit mental health by providing a calming and focused activity, often described as ‘feel good’ due to its repetitive motions, tactile nature, and ability to promote mindfulness, which can help reduce stress, anxiety, and negative thoughts while fostering a sense of accomplishment and creative expression.

 

Embroidery Is…

Embroidery is more than a hobby; it’s a powerful tool for mental health and well-being. Many have found comfort in stitching, using the rhythmic motions and creative expression to reduce stress and promote mindfulness.

To highlight the importance of embroidery, we want to hear YOUR story! How has embroidery helped you on your mental health journey? Whether it’s a form of relaxation, a way to express emotions, or simply a moment of peace, we’d love for you to share how the art of hand embroidery has supported your well-being.

Send us your stories to [email protected] and help to inspire others to find solace and strength through the art of embroidery for Mental Health Awareness Week.

 

Feel Good Festival

The RSN is thrilled to be part of the ‘Feel Good Festival’, which will take place at Hampton Court Palace from 16 to 18 May 2025, the perfect day out to have fun and unwind!

Join us for a 90-minute workshop to escape the busy world outside, in the serene surroundings of the RSN’s Collection & Archive Room in Hampton Court Palace, normally closed to the visiting public.  The RSN Collection contains many beautiful birds stitched in every technique imaginable.

Our ‘Colourful Peacock’ is an introduction to embroidery, for you to create your own beautifully embroidered bird.  Using crewel wool, you will learn a range of core embroidery stitches such as back stitch and chain stitch, as well as some easy embellishment stitches, including French knots and fly stitch.

Colourful embroidery wouldn’t be complete without a little bit of sparkle so added sequins, to create the tail feathers, will complete this simple and charming design of the most elegant of birds.

The 90-minute workshop will take place from 11.30am-1pm every day of the festival. The kit is included in the workshop cost and places are limited so you need to book your place fast!

Friday workshop

Saturday workshop

Sunday workshop

Please note that, to attend the RSN workshop, you must buy an entry ticket to the Feel Good Festival. or show your Historic Royal Palaces membership card.

See you there!

 

Work by: RSN Future Tutor Student Zinaida Kazban, RSN Hampton Court Palace Diploma student Gail Beer, RSN Durham Diploma student Luiza Oliver

Are you thinking of joining our Certificate & Diploma Course? The RSN Certificate & Diploma in Technical Hand Embroidery Course is an excellent and flexible way to elevate your hand embroidery skills and can be learnt from wherever you are in the world.

Meet Elin Gray, who shares with us her story of learning at RSN Bristol:

“I first took up embroidery as a hobby when I was a teenager, free-handing my own designs and making patches. Discovering the RSN presented me with the opportunity to excel beyond what I could teach myself, and the possibility of pursuing embroidery as a career.

 In 2019, I started the C&D at RSN Bristol and found a brilliant Tutor in Deborah Wilding, as well as a community of people just as enthusiastic about embroidery as I am. It’s a wonderful environment to learn in; everyone is incredibly encouraging and there is so much inspiration to be found in other students’ work and ideas.

Each module offers something different, which makes it hard to pick a favourite, but I did particularly enjoy Goldwork as the materials and end effect are unlike any other type of embroidery. I also really enjoyed Appliqué, and it was in this technique that I created my favourite finished piece, based on a work by Dante Gabriel Rossetti.

My experience at the RSN has been invaluable, not only for the skill and confidence I would never have gained otherwise, but for the people I’ve met. I completed my Diploma last year with a Distinction and have hopes of exploring the Advanced Diploma in the future. Meanwhile, I’ve been volunteering with the schools’ archive digitisation project and sharing my work on Instagram – @grayembroidery.”

 

Thinking about starting the Certificate & Diploma course?

Join our next Online Information Session on Wednesday 30 April  here

See our Certificate & Diploma 2025 Summer Intensives Dates at Hampton Court Palace, Durham, Glasgow and Australia here