Studying Embroidery at the Royal School of Needlework
Stepping into Hampton Court Palace every morning felt like stepping back in time. The grandeur of the historic halls, the ancient tapestries and the centuries of history were truly awe-inspiring. Studying at the Royal School of Needlework (RSN) was more than just an education – it was an immersive experience that shaped my understanding of embroidery in ways I never imagined.
Learning Traditional Embroidery in a Historic Setting
The RSN’s degree programme is known for its rigorous training in traditional embroidery techniques. From intricate silk shading to the sparkle of goldwork, every technical stitch session was a lesson in patience and precision. Learning these skills within the walls of Hampton Court Palace added an extra layer of magic. Surrounded by historical textiles and royal history, I was constantly reminded of embroidery’s timeless importance.
Throughout my time at the RSN, we studied in the recommissioned royal apartments at the top of Hampton Court Palace. I believe they once belonged to King William and Queen Mary—if you ever get the chance to visit, I highly recommend it! In my first year, we were based in an apartment overlooking the Long Water in Hampton Court Park. In my second and third years, we switched sides of the palace, studying in apartments overlooking the beautiful Privy Garden. My workspace in my final year was quite literally in a bay window of the apartment—I was properly living the dream!
Going to university in a palace will never not be surreal. I remember one day having to call in to say I was going to be late because an actor dressed as Henry VIII was blocking the usual entrance with a book-signing event! If you’re planning a visit, go at Christmas—the scent of dried fruits in the halls and the Tudor decorations are truly spectacular.
The Daily Life of an RSN Student
Life at the Royal School of Needlework may not be what you expect. The tuition on the degree course is incredibly contemporary, with course leaders Angie Wyman and Sophia Malik always on hand to push you and ensure you’re achieving your maximum potential. The degree is a full-time, five-day-a-week course, with each day running from 10 am to 4:30 pm (when you weren’t working to tight deadlines!).
One day a week (Thursdays) was dedicated to ‘Technical Stitch’ sessions. In the first and second years, we learned a range of techniques, including blackwork, tambour beading, goldwork and silk shading, amongst many others. Each technique was taught on a sampler frame, allowing us to study every aspect in detail with the aim of refining it to perfection. My favourite techniques were always stumpwork and goldwork. We were given an additional day per week to practise and refine the skills we’d learned.
We also had a weekly Contextual Studies session, where we explored the history of embroidery, its applications throughout different periods and its place in the modern world. In the final year, these sessions became much more career-focused, with modules designed to help us set ourselves up as hand embroidery practitioners. (There was even a whole module on tax, which, as you can imagine, was thrilling!).
Two days a week were dedicated to design. We worked with design tutors to expand our creative process, which was key to our development as RSN students. Learning the entire process, from concept to finished piece, meant we could work as hand embroidery designers and makers after graduating. Initially, I found the design element really difficult—I had come to the RSN to learn embroidery, not design! But after much persistence from Steve, our design tutor, I began to find my feet and understand why the design process is so important.
In the final year, we were able to specialise, creating whatever piece we liked—as long as it was suitably ambitious and demonstrated both technical and design ability. The whole experience was truly magical, and I cannot recommend it enough!
From Student to Professional Embroiderer
Studying at the RSN didn’t just teach me embroidery—it prepared me for a career in the field. Learning from expert tutors, working on high-profile commissions and collaborating with fellow students gave me a deep respect for the craft and the craftspeople working within it. It also opened doors to couture embroidery, restoration and design, showing me just how vast and exciting the world of embroidery can be.
The transition from student to professional wasn’t just about honing technical skills but also about understanding the industry and the opportunities available to those with a passion for the craft. Everything I learned at the RSN informs the way I teach and create today. Whether developing new embroidery kits, writing instructional PDFs or designing courses, I strive to make traditional techniques accessible to modern stitchers.
Embroidery is an art form that should be enjoyed and shared, and I love helping others discover its meditative, rewarding nature. I’m proud to pass on the knowledge and techniques I acquired at the RSN, ensuring the future of embroidery is in safe hands.