Embroidery for Mental Health
26th March, 2025
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!
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
