You can join us wherever you live with our popular online classes.  Our Live Online Classes are perfect for students who enjoy learning in more of a classroom setting.   Alternatively, if you prefer learning at your own pace, try our Online Video Courses.  We also teach onsite at Hampton Court Palace in south west London.

From online courses inspired by the RSN’s Textile Collection to classes at the unique Hampton Court Palace, join us in 2025 and delve a bit deeper into the beautiful art of hand embroidery.

Live Online Classes

We teach a series of Live Online classes in small groups via Zoom. These take place at different times to suit different time zones.

Browse all our Live Online Classes here.

Online Video Courses

Our Online Video Courses give the flexibility to learn at your own pace, anytime, anywhere.  Courses start from £55, which include video tuition and kit.

View all Online Video Courses

RSN Onsite at a stunning Venue in the UK

Make a day of it and join us for an embroidery class at the wonderful Hampton Court Palace in south west London; Mapperton House in Dorset and Canterbury Cathedral.   We have a selection of classes for all levels.

Browse all our classes here.

If you are new to embroidery, view our recommended selection of introduction classes.  Classes for Beginners to Embroidery.

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To celebrate the start of 2025, we are giving you the chance to win an exclusive RSN Stitch Bank bundle. One lucky winner will receive a copy of our popular new book, ‘RSN Stitch Bank: 200 Essential Embroidery Stitches’, a RSN Stitch Bank tea towel and mug, featuring the cleverly designed stitch icons, and a handy RSN Stitch Bank magnetic needle minder.

How to enter

To be in with a chance of winning this fabulous bundle of goodies, all you need to do is email us at marketing@royal-needlework.org.uk and tell us your favourite stitch in RSN Stitch Bank. One lucky winner will be selected at random. The competition will close on Monday 20 January, 12pm GMT.

Good luck!

Thank you to everyone who has supported RSN Stitch Bank by ‘Adopting a Stitch’.  As a registered charity, with no government funding, every donation we receive helps us to grow this incredible resource and keep it free for everyone to use.  If you would like to ‘Adopt a Stitch’ in your name or for a loved one, we have a number of stitches currently available.  Adopt a Stitch here.

Visit the RSN Stitch Bank website here to explore the world directory of stitches.

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The C&D course is a fantastic way to learn the art of hand embroidery, at a time and place that suits you. Learn fundamental embroidery techniques, taught by expert RSN Tutors, from anywhere in the world.

About the C&D Course

The Certificate course concentrates on the core skills of hand embroidery, including accuracy, stitch selection, colour choices, thread decisions, scale, colour, light, shade and texture. There are three mandatory modules: Jacobean Crewelwork, Silk Shading and Goldwork, and one choice module, either Canvas Stitches or Blackwork.

The Diploma, following completion of the Certificate, continues to build on and expand skills. There are six modules, four of which are mandatory: Appliqué, Advanced Silk Shading, Advanced Goldwork, Canvas Stitches or Blackwork, and two from an optional list: Canvas Shading, Stumpwork, Whitework (Pulled & Drawn Thread and Broderie Anglaise & Richelieu), Creative Box, or Creative Metalwork.

Flexible Learning

• Book on a class-by-class basis: Book on dates and times to suit you.
• Different Time Zones: Covering the UK/Europe, Australia/New Zealand/South East Asia, and North/South America.
• Online Options: Access expert tuition from anywhere in the world.
• Onsite Options: Learn at Hampton Court Palace, Southwest London, Bristol, Rugby, Durham, Glasgow, Australia, the USA and Japan.

What’s it like to take the course?

‘To anyone thinking of starting the C&D Programme I would say, just go ahead and do it! You don’t have to be an amazing embroiderer already, all you really need to know is some basics, and they’ll teach you the rest. It’s been an amazing journey so far and I’m looking forward to learning even more.” – RSN Bristol student Sanchia Groves.

Join us

2025 classes are now open for booking! Join our next Online Info Session to learn more form our team, and to ask any questions.

Join an Online Info Session

Register for the course here

Work by:

• RSN Hampton Court Palace Certificate student Amy Thackeray ⁠
• RSN Online Certificate student Amanda Hogan
• RSN Hampton Court Palace Diploma student Helen Sturdy
• RSN Online Diploma student Deborah Bryan

The post Learn Technical Hand Embroidery with the RSN in 2025 appeared first on Royal School of Needlework.

Known as Silk Shading, this beautiful technique uses a number of colours in cotton or silk threads, skilfully blended together to create the natural appearance of a flower, fruit, plant or animal.

Browse our different courses and learn the stunning hand embroidery technique of Silk Shading.

Online Video Courses

Learn anywhere, any time and at your own pace with RSN Online Video Courses.  If you have not tried Silk Shading before, we recommend starting with ‘Introduction to Silk Shading‘.  If you are looking to enhance your skills further, choose the Next Steps course combining Silk Shading with Goldwork to create a gorgeous butterfly.

Live Online Classes

We have two Live Online Classes coming up in March and June.  The Live Online Classes are perfect for students who prefer to learn in more of a virtual classroom setting.

Intro to Long & Short: Spring Leaf – Thurs 6 March – 20 March

Silk & Gold: Floral Flourish – Sat 14  to Mon 16 June

Learn at Hampton Court Palace

Enjoy a day ‘behind the rope’ at our apartments in the magnificent Hampton Court Palace.

Rainbow Bee Eaters – Sun 18 May only 1 space left

Koala in the Eucalyptus – Sat 24 May – Mon 26 May

RSN Experience Class at Mapperton House, Dorset

Spend the day at Mapperton House in Dorset, home to the Earl and Countess of Sandwich. This RSN Experience class will include a highlights tour of the House and a chance to meet its current owner, Viscountess Julie Montagu, who will show you the 18th century apron that has inspired the class.

Floral Hearts at Mapperton House – Fri 25 April

View all Online Video Courses

View all Live Online Classes

View all Classes at Hampton Court Palace

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Day & Evening Classes

Experimental Beading: Online, Wednesday 8 January

Metalwork Jay: Online, Weekly, from Tuesday 14 January

Whitework Roundel: Online, Weekly, from Sunday 19 January

Medieval Crown: Online, Weekly, from Sunday 19 January

Experimental Fabric Collage – Landscape or Ocean Scene: Online, Weekly, from Wednesday 22 January

Experimental Embroidery: Online, Weekly, from Wednesday 22 January

Experimental Fabric Collage – Landscape or Ocean Scene: Hampton Court Palace, Sunday 26 January

Introduction to Embroidery – Crewel Seahorse: Online, Weekly, from Wednesday 29 January

Silver Snowdrop: Online, Weekly, from Friday 31 January

Events & Exhibitions

‘Bound, An Embroiderer’s Story’ Exhibition: Brixton Department Store, London, 16 – 21 January

‘Tales of Textiles: The RSN Collection in Focus’: Hampton Court Palace, on set days until June 2025. Prebooking essential.

Online Talks

‘Curator Favourites from the RSN Collection and Archive Digitisation Project’ with RSN Curator Dr Isabella Rosner, Wednesday 22 January, 7pm GMT

‘The Unknown American Heiress, Alberta Sturges, 9th Countess of Sandwich’ with Viscountess Hinchingbrooke Julie Montagu, Wednesday 29 January, 7pm GMT

 RSN Open Days

BA (Hons) Hand Embroidery Degree Open Days

Online, Friday 10 January, 2pm GMT

Hampton Court Palace, Wednesday 15 January, 2pm

Certificate & Diploma Information Session

Online, Wednesday 22 January, 3pm GMT

The post What’s On in January? appeared first on Royal School of Needlework.

Live Online Classes

We teach a series of Live Online classes in small groups via Zoom. These take place at different times to suit different time zones.  *UK times featured.

Crewel Seahorse Live Online – 7.30pm-9.30pm, Wed 29 Jan & 5 Feb

Spring Flowers Live Online – 2pm-4.30pm, Thurs 13 & 20 March

Browse all our Live Online Classes here.

Online Video Courses

RSN Online Video Courses include a wide range of introduction courses. These courses give the flexibility to learn at your own pace, anytime, anywhere.  With step-by-step guidance from our expert Tutors, you can develop your skills from the comfort of home.  Courses start from just £55, which include video tuition and kit.

If you are new to embroidery, we recommend starting with ‘Introduction to Embroidery – Birds‘; ‘Introduction to Embroidery: Tulip‘ and ‘Introduction to Jacobean Crewelwork‘.

View all Online Video Courses

RSN at Hampton Court Palace

We have a selection of beginner courses taking place at Hampton Court Palace, including a cute Crewel Seahorse design on Sunday 2 February; pretty Native Wild Flower on Saturday 8 March; and Spring Flowers on Sunday 9 March.

Browse all our RSN Hampton Court Palace classes here.

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Whether you are looking for a special gift for someone new to embroidery or a seasoned stitcher who has everything already, we have the perfect present list.

RSN Gift Card

If you are unsure what to buy the stitcher in your life, an RSN Gift Card is the perfect gift as they can choose exactly what they would like.

Learn with the RSN from Home

Gift a RSN video online course which gives flexibility to learn at your own pace, anytime, anywhere.  Simply click on the ‘Gift this Course’ button, choose which date you wish the recipient to receive their gift email and add a special message.  Courses start from just £55, which includes video tuition and kit.

View the wide choice of courses available

Gift the January Blues away
We have a selection of live online and onsite classes in January for all levels. From a cute sea horse design for beginners to an advanced whitework class for the more experienced stitcher, there is something for everyone. We run online classes at different times to suit all time zones. Onsite day classes are taught at the magnificent Hampton Court Palace.

Browse our January and February embroidery classes here:

*Postal deadlines to receive the kits for RSN Video Online Courses before Christmas were Friday 6 December for international orders and Monday 16 December for UK orders.

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The RSN is excited to announce that we have been selected to take part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge this December, aiming to raise £9,800 for RSN Stitch Bank, the world guide of stitches, free for everyone to use. The Christmas Challenge is the UK’s biggest collaborative fundraising campaign, and donations can be made by anyone across the world.

What is the Big Give Christmas Challenge?

Big Give is a registered charity (1136547) that runs match funded campaigns for charities and special causes at key moments across the year. By connecting charities to match funders and the public, Big Give helps them to double their donations. It’s a simple idea – when the public donates through a Big Give campaign, it asks funders to match their donation, so that £50 donated from the public becomes £100 for the charity.

The RSN’s Christmas Challenge 2024 will focus on RSN Stitch Bank, the free world guide to stitches which currently holds 450 stitches with more to be added on 20 December.

What is RSN Stitch Bank?

RSN Stich Bank is a free online resource that digitally conserves and showcases the wide variety of the world’s embroidery stitches.

Each stitch on RSN Stitch Bank comes with helpful videos, written instructions, illustrations and photographs for each stitch, giving stitchers a free, accessible way to learn embroidery and preserve stitches for generations to come.

RSN Stitch Bank receives no government funding, so we therefore rely on the generous donations of our users to keep it free for everyone.  From embroiderers to teachers, from researchers to curators, thousands access RSN Stitch Bank from around the world. The RSN wants RSN Stitch Bank to remain a free resource ensuring the future of hand embroidery.

Visit RSN Stitch Bank

How does the RSN’s Big Give Christmas Challenge work?

Every donation given between 3 – 10 December will be doubled! For example, a donation of £10, will be matched, meaning £20 will be given to RSN Stitch Bank. Donations from outside the UK are also accepted.

Donations to RSN Stitch Bank will be generously matched by our incredible supporters and our Big Give Champion, The Reed Foundation.

This year, we are looking to raise a total of £9,800. In order to access the £4,900 we already have in the matching pot, we need to raise another £4,900 in online donations.

How can you get involved?

The RSN’s Big Give Christmas Challenge starts on Giving Tuesday, 3 December and you will have 7 days to donate to our campaign.

To make a donation, simply visit our Big Give Challenge page and make a donation between Tuesday 3 (midday) – Tuesday 10 December (midday).

The RSN would really appreciate it if you could share our campaign with your friends who also use RSN Stitch Bank, and your wider social network – anyone who would be interested in having their donation doubled!

Donate HERE

Set a reminder and add our campaign page to it so that you don’t miss your chance to double your donation!

Save the date and double your donation!

The post One Donation, Twice the Impact – RSN Stitch Bank Big Give Christmas Challenge appeared first on Royal School of Needlework.

Many students and customers will have met Emily Cunliffe, Head of Retail, Tomas Asmelash, Retail Supervisor, and the team, when they have visited our Shop at Hampton Court Palace, South West London. The RSN Shop really is a box of delights and surprises – for the beginner to advanced embroiderer as well as for those who prefer an RSN souvenir, yummy treat or a Gift Card for a special friend.

Over the last few months, the RSN Shop has been building on our heritage by creating exclusive products inspired by the RSN Collection, particularly pieces which have been included in the first 100 digitised objects and displayed in our current exhibition, ‘Tales of Textiles: The RSN Collection in Focus’.

Explore these stunning pieces and benefit from 10% off all RSN Shop items bought both at Hampton Court Palace and online this Museum Shop Sunday, 1 December, from 12am – 11:59pm GMT.

Shop with purpose, and discover unique and meaningful gifts you love in order to support the RSN’s mission to ensure and support the future of hand embroidery this Museum Shop Sunday!

Browse the RSN Shop here 

See the RSN Collection up close and personal at our exhibition ‘Tales of Textiles: the RSN Collection in focus’ 

Museum Shop Sunday is brought to you by the Association for Cultural Enterprises in partnership with the Museum Store Association in the US and the Museum Shops Association of Australia and New Zealand.

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Take a moment to look through and plan your way into 2025 with the perfect class! If you can’t decide which class to buy, then purchase a Day Class Gift Voucher which allows the lucky recipient to choose their own. And don’t forget to treat yourself too!

Browse our NEW January – June Day & Evening Classes here

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RSN Degree students have had the pleasure of working with Lock & Co. Hatters several times over the past few years. Starting in 2022, Degree students each year have created head adornments based on a floral theme and embroidered and embellished baseball caps based on their hometowns and villages, which have been exhibited in the windows of Lock & Co. Hatters shop.

Degree Student Internships

In August, we had our first internships with Lock & Co. Hatters. Students were interviewed for the two, two-week internship places. The successful students were second year student, Izzy Ager and first year student Harriet Hawtry-Coombs. They were awarded £1500 each for their internship and spent time learning the many facets of the Lock & Co. Hatters business, from millinery techniques, to marketing, social media, photo shoots and accounting, an amazing opportunity!

Graduate Collaboration

The most recent collaboration with Lock & Co. Hatters has been with two RSN Degree Graduates, Livia Papiernik and Claire de Waard. Both Livia and Claire now work at the RSN as alumni lecturers and hand embroiderers, respectively. Both were commissioned by Awon Golding, Head Milliner for Lock & Co. Hatters, to develop embroidery for headbands for the Autumn/Winter collection. This collection is currently showcased in store and on the Lock & Co. Hatters website.

If you are in London to see the Christmas lights, make sure you pop in to the ‘home of hats’ to see their beautiful creations!

See more RSN Degree Awards & Success stories

Join our next Open Day Online or at Hampton Court Palace

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The RSN’s Certificate & Diploma (C&D) offers you a unique experience of learning hand embroidery to a high technical standard, wherever and whenever suits you.

The C&D course is taught both Onsite at various venues across the world, at Hampton Court Palace in South West London, Bristol, Rugby, Durham, Glasgow, Australia, the USA and Japan, as well as Online via Zoom, attended by both international and UK based students.

The course contains a wonderful variety of techniques and can be booked on a class-by-class basis to fit in with your schedule. It is therefore perfect for those who want to start a new hobby but need to find one that they can fit around their busy schedules – it really is the most flexible course.

Want to hear just how flexible the course is from one of our students?

Here is Tamsyn Thorpe who attends RSN Bristol:

“I first started hand embroidery as a child during school holidays as both my grandparents and my mum embroidered. My first ever stitches were done using old DMC threads on pieces of old brushed cotton sheet.

I found the RSN whilst looking online for more specialist embroidery training, as I had not long had my first child and needed something for me.

I started on the C&D course when the Bristol venue was first formed. I initially had a choice of Hampton Court Palace or Durham, but living in the Midlands, neither were a short drive away. However, Bristol worked for me because although it was a similar distance to the others, my parents live in Cornwall, and it was en route!

The teaching has been fantastic, learning lots of new skills to such a high level. I have made long term friends and have enjoyed meeting like-minded people. I also enjoy volunteering at The Knitting & Stitching shows and telling others about the RSN and sometimes having my work on display.

Everybody does courses for different reasons but, when I started, I needed something for me that I could do as a hobby around caring for my autistic son. This gave me my place of calm to escape to. For me, stitching is a journey not a race, I am not a fast stitcher and I do love detail. Completing my pieces, for me in amongst life’s challenges, gives me a great sense of achievement.”

Inspired by Tamsyn’s words?

Why not join our next C&D Online info session to find out more about the course, and to ask any questions.

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