Throughout history, embroidery has been used for its therapeutic properties and we are delighted to introduce our first dedicated Mindfulness Class, taking place at Hampton Court Palace on Sunday 27 October.

Featuring a calming design, inspired by the Tree of Life, and using tranquil coloured threads and music to stitch to, students can enjoy a relaxing day of Kantha Embroidery.  Students will be using the traditional Running Stitch, employed in Kantha, as the motion of the repetitive movements are meditative and soothing.  It also allows freedom for creativity and personal expression.  The class is suitable for all levels of ability.

Not only will you stitch in the tranquil and beautiful Palace overlooking the stunning royal gardens, but the class kit also includes everything needed to make a lavender bag with the finished design, ensuring the calmness continues and helps provide a restful night’s sleep too!  The class costs £111.  To book visit www.royal-needlework.org.uk or call 020 3166 6938.

The RSN has been as the forefront of creating platforms to provide the therapeutic benefits of embroidery.  We helped create the stunning Altar Frontal in St Paul’s Cathedral which was embroidered by wounded World War I soldiers.  And during World War II, we established an advice service for hospitals and nursing homes offering guidance on how best to teach embroidery to recuperating servicemen.

More recently, we have worked with Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge to create The Duchess’ Back to Nature Garden at this year’s Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival.  Her Royal Highness designed the special garden to help build foundations for positive physical and mental wellbeing.  For this project, the RSN used hand embroidery techniques to create a magical, ambient setting in a forest den.