If you are interested in the history of the RSN and its collection of commissions that span over 150 years, then you will be as excited as we are for the launch of a series of 15 kits created by the RSN Embroidery Studio.

The first four kits are available to purchase now from the RSN shop, and the remaining kits will be released during the next few months.

Each kit marks a decade since the founding of the Royal School of Needlework in 1872. The kit designs are inspired from pieces from the archives and have been developed in a range of techniques and levels for embroiderers to enjoy and learn.

Using the finest materials, the kits have been created and assembled by the RSN Studio at Hampton Court Palace, UK

RSN Studio: Plum Blossom Branch Silk Shading Embroidery Kit 1880’s

This beautiful design has been taken from an RSN archive piece, which would have originally been a four-panel screen. It is inspired by the Japonisme Revival that took place in the 1870s. Japonisme is a French term that refers to the popularity and influence of Japanese art following the forced reopening of foreign trade with Japan in 1858.

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RSN Studio: Jacobean Crewelwork Kit 1930’s

This kit is inspired by a curtain or screen design that was originally produced during the 1930’s by the Royal School of Needlework Design Room. During this period there was a huge resurgence of interest in Jacobean. The design elements have been rearranged to fill a generous space which could be made into a cushion or mounted and framed as a picture.

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RSN Studio: Nature’s Bounty Embroidered Apron Kit 1960’s

This charming design of fruit and foliage was created by the Royal School of Needlework Paint Room in the 1960s for a handbag.

Reimagined by the Royal School of Needlework Studio, this is a perfect design for an apron, worked in a range of surface stitches.

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RSN Studio: The Nation’s Garden – Flower Emblems from the United Kingdom 1970’s

Inspired by a painted canvas designed to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II in 1977 and originally produced by the Royal School of Needlework Paint Room. Hand painted canvases were very popular for many years and the RSN Embroidery Studio still produces them on commission. Most painted canvases would have been completed entirely in Tent Stitch.

In this kit, elements from the original design have been reworked into a combination of counted patterns and surface stitches, adding insects reminiscent of those included in the 2023 Coronation Robe of Her Majesty Queen Camilla.

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Shop the full range of RSN Embroidery kits here