We teach in the heart of the Midlands, in a beautiful art deco hall in Rugby, called The Arnold House.  Meet RSN Tutors Helen McCook, Angela Bishop and Helen Jones who teach our Certificate & Diploma in Technical Hand Embroidery at RSN Midlands.

The RSN Certificate & Diploma in Technical Hand Embroidery (C&D) is a really flexible course – you can choose when you start and which days you study! We teach the course in Bristol, Rugby, Durham and Glasgow, as well as at our base in Hampton Court Palace, and Online.

RSN Midlands is located in a central location in Rugby, Warwickshire in the UK. Thanks to its convenient location, we welcome students from all around the surrounding area, including Birmingham, Leicester, Milton Keynes, Gloucester, Stoke-on-Trent, Northampton, Nottingham, Wolverhampton, Worcester, Coventry, Kettering and Cambridge.

RSN Tutors Helen McCook and Angela Bishop teach C&D at RSN Midlands as well as Online, which is particularly popular with those both in the UK and abroad who are unable to attend one of our satellite teaching centres on a regular basis.

Angela Bishop became a Tutor following her love of learning hand embroidery on the RSN Certificate course.

“After starting the Certificate course in Rugby, I learned about the Future Tutors Programme and was inspired to develop my love of embroidery further, so joined the programme in 2013, graduated in 2016, and have not looked back since!

“The C&D course is a great way to dive deeper into different techniques for those interested in developing their own ideas and designs. From beginners, who have never stitched before, to those who haven’t stitched since school, the C&D programme is for all levels and taught in a flexible and inspiring environment.

“I love all the techniques I teach, but am inspired most by Appliqué and Stumpwork where you can explore and blend different media and techniques together. My Top Tip would be to give hand embroidery a go and see where a class can take you. You will not regret it!”

RSN Tutor Helen McCook joined the RSN in 2000 as an Apprentice after studying a BA (Hons) in Printed & Dyed Textiles with Non-European Art History.

“I was in the university library in my third year, pulled out a book, and, as I did so, a leaflet for the RSN Apprenticeship fell to my feet. The course immediately captured my interest and I applied. I fell in love with embroidery and have never looked back!

“What I enjoy most about teaching is getting to share my knowledge and love of hand embroidery with others, spreading the scope of people engaging with this amazing heritage craft whilst helping to keep it relevant in modern day life. I also love seeing students develop as they travel through their chosen course of study.

“I truly believe that there is an embroidery technique to suit everybody’s aesthetic style and needs. If you haven’t found one you enjoy yet, there is definitely something that will hook you in in unexpected and joyous ways. Engaging with your creative self is so much more than you think it will be and will take you in directions you never imagined!”

RSN Tutor Helen Jones, who is based in London, also teaches in Rugby as well as at Hampton Court Palace. Helen’s first experience of the C&D was as a student over 10 years ago and, on completion, she was invited to apply for the Future Tutors Programme. She already had a teaching qualification, specialising in teaching adults. To anyone thinking about registering for the course, Helen would say,

“Don’t just think about it, do it. You will get a lot of help from your Tutors. You will meet lots of interesting people going on the same journey. You will learn a lot.”

If you are thinking of joining our Certificate & Diploma in Technical Hand Embroidery Course, please reserve your place on our next C&D Online Open Day at 1pm on Monday 20 March. Book here. 

You can also email [email protected] with any queries.

RSN Certificate & Diploma