Royal School of Needlework

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Royal School of Needlework

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RSN is the international centre of excellence for the art of hand embroidery, celebrating our 150th anniversary in 2022.

The Royal School of Needlework is the go-to place for hand embroidery, a charity inspiring people around the world to learn, create and explore this timeless art form. With a thriving education programme, the RSN offers a range of courses for beginners through to advanced, across a variety of techniques. We carry out conservation, restoration and create new bespoke pieces in our Embroidery Studio where all work is carried out at our base at Hampton Court Palace, south west London. The RSN Online Shop has all of your hand embroidery needs covered, from equipment to books, stationery to kits and much more, including gift vouchers for the hand embroidery enthusiast in your life!

17/10/2026

Introducing RSN Retreats 🥂

Immerse yourself in the world of hand embroidery with our two exclusive luxury retreats! Combining expert embroidery tuition with extraordinary destinations, each retreat offers a unique and carefully curated experience.

The first of our two retreats, is the RSN Regency Retreat based at the Buxton Crescent Hotel in the heart of Derbyshire.

Step into the elegance of the Regency Era with an exclusive seven-night embroidery retreat where you will have five full days of expert embroidery tuition, exceptional historic surroundings and a curated programme of cultural experiences inspired by the art, textiles and decorative traditions of the Regency period.

Under the guidance of one of our RSN Tutors, you will work on an original Regency-inspired embroidery design created exclusively for this retreat. Alongside your embroidery, discover the extraordinary textile heritage of Chatsworth House through a specialist behind-the-scenes experience, explore the historic spa town of Buxton and enjoy a week dedicated to creativity, craftsmanship and discovery.

Spaces are extremely limited, so find out more about what the retreat will entail, and book your place: https://bit.ly/4hTjeWs

16/10/2026

Bayeux Tapestry-Inspired Family Workshops 🪡

As part of our Schools & Outreach Programme, we will be leading three Bayeux Tapestry embroidery workshops at The British Museum for children and their families!

You can have a go at stitching one of our Bayeux Tapestry-inspired designs and learn a range of stitches, including running stitch, back stitch, chain stitch and stem stitch.

Join us at The British Museum on Wednesday 28 October for our first session. Drop in with your family and have a go at recreating your own piece of the Bayeux Tapestry!

Find out more about our upcoming workshop via the link: https://bit.ly/4i6jDnd

14/10/2026

Curating the Bayeux Tapestry Live Online Talk

Join the Project Curator of The Bayeux Tapestry exhibition, Dr Millie Horton-Insch, on Wednesday 28 October, as she outlines the history of the Tapestry and reflects on the process of curating this historic show.

As an art historian and a specialist in early medieval textiles, she will give you an insight into the details of the Tapestry and how it has become one of the most popular exhibitions in the museum’s history.

Book your place now via the link: https://bit.ly/4zxEg2v

13/10/2026

RSN Durham Open Day 🪡

Join us at our RSN Durham Satellite from 10am–4pm on Friday 6 November for a free, drop-in Open Day to learn more about our Certificate & Diploma and Hand Embroidery: Skills & Studies courses!

You’ll have the chance to view a range of student work, ask questions and meet current students, who will be demonstrating some techniques. You’ll also have the opportunity to get involved in some stitching

Learn more about our upcoming Open Day via the link: https://bit.ly/4B1BHHA

Work by Durham Certificate & Diploma Students: Abigail Carter, Sheila Dowling, Christine Mezgar, Sarah McGeorge and Gillian Lawrence.

12/10/2026

Exclusive Goldwork Embroidery Workshop in Collaboration with The Household Cavalry Museum!

Join our expert Tutors on Saturday 14 November for an immersive embroidery workshop in collaboration with the Household Cavalry Museum, where you will stitch your own Goldwork horseshoe within the historic working stables at Horse Guards.

Using traditional materials, you will learn how to apply them to a contemporary design that celebrates the history, heritage and ceremonial traditions of the Household Cavalry.

We are delighted to collaborate with the Household Cavalry Museum on this unique blend of craftsmanship, history and hands-on creativity in an unforgettable setting.

Find out more about what the day will entail and book your place via the link: https://bit.ly/3TOc5xm

10/10/2026

Fragile Threads Short Course Collection – General Booking now OPEN!
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We’re delighted to introduce five new Short Courses as part of our Fragile Threads Programme, exploring biodiversity and our relationship with nature through hand embroidery.

Inspired by the natural world, the courses explore colour, texture and 3D embroidery techniques with two courses being taught Online, while three will take place in person at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. ⁠
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Our Fragile Threads Programme has been made possible thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
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Booking is now open for all, so browse these designs now via the link in bio!

06/10/2026

TATTER: In Conversation with The Royal School of Needlework Talk

Join our Curator of Textiles, Dr Isabella Rosner, on Wednesday 14 October as she is in conversation with TATTER in their Brooklyn Studio!

She will not only be discussing the history of the RSN, our current work and our rich collection of textiles but will be joined by Jordana Munk Martin, founder of TATTER, to discuss creative life through their respective collections and explore the stories that every collection reveals.

Find out more about this event and register your virtual attendance via the link: https://bit.ly/4doovCF

05/10/2026

Knit + Stitch, London 2026 is only 4 days away!
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We are delighted to be returning to the Knit + Stitch Show at Alexandra Palace, London this week!

We will be showcasing a range of student pieces at stand A10 from 8-11 October, including this piece by Diploma Student Kathryn Parker (Hampton Court Palace).

As well as hosting our Whipped and Woven Wheels Workshop for all-abilities where you can explore these fascinating stitches with the guidance of our expert Tutors.

Book your tickets now via the link in bio, and use our discount code RSN26 at checkout to get money off!

03/10/2026

Our Spring/Summer 2027 Short Courses Programme is now LIVE! ✨

We are delighted to announce that our new collection of classes are now available for public booking!

Explore our range of expert-led classes, discovering traditional and contemporary embroidery techniques while stitching inspiring designs.

Book now via the link: https://bit.ly/47g6q6p

Address

Apt 12a, Hampton Court Palace
East Molesey
KT89AU

Telephone

+442031666932

Website

http://www.royal-needlework.org.uk/

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