This project has been launched to encourage more stitch in schools and help young people to learn about the fun, creativity and the therapeutic aspects of stitch.  It is primarily aimed at Secondary Schools, focusing on Years 7 and 8, but it could be used with older pupils too.

The Royal School of Needlework will provide a kit of threads, needles, fabrics, hoops, scissors, RSN Book of Embroidery and other equipment to enable students to put down their mobile phones and express themselves through stitch instead!

Express Yourself Through Stitch

A booklet of ideas is also included in the Kit and features ideas for two themes – ‘Embroider a Selfie’ and ‘Stitch a Power Mantra.‘

The project provides a focus for the pupils and teachers, enabling the children to reflect about themselves and prompting discussion points in the class.  Expressing yourself through stitch can help to build self-esteem and motivate, whilst the focus and soothing flow of stitch can block out anxiety and stress.

Inspiring a New Generation of Embroiderers

Jamie Chalmers, aka Mr X Stitch, is a guest lecturer at the Royal School of Needlework and agreed to be an Ambassador for the ‘Embroider a Selfie’ project.

Jamie met with some of our Degree in Hand Embroidery Students and inspired them to express their feelings by ‘Stitching a Power Mantra’.  The Mantra can be any inspirational word or expression that helps motivate or provide a goal.

 

 

How to Apply

We have limited number of kits available so we are asking schools to send in a bid to participate.   We also plan to run a small number of training days for teachers.  These will be at our satellite venues around the UK and include embroidery tuition with an RSN Tutor.
If you would like your school to benefit from this programme, please send an email to [email protected] , titled ‘Embroider a Selfie project’ with the following information:
  • The name and address of the school
  • Your name and email address at school
  • Your role at the school
  • How would you envisage using the kit?
  • Why should your school have this opportunity?

The RSN will select schools based on the commitment of the teacher to this project, geography linked to the training locations for half the kits, catchment area of the school with priority for schools in more disadvantaged areas.

Thank you to the Worshipful Company of Girdlers and suppliers who have supported this project.