RSN Stitch Bank: 200 Essential Embroidery Stitches

The Royal School of Needlework launched the RSN Stitch Bank (rsnstitchbank.org) in September 2021 when it revealed the first 150 stitches at the official opening of its 150th anniversary celebrations. More stitches continue to be added as part of their aim to digitally preserve every stitch around the globe. The 200 stitches are a mix of practical and purely decorative, selected to empower every embroiderer to create contemporary works informed by centuries of experience. Each stitch is fully explained with written instructions, illustrations and photographs, along with the disciplines it’s used for; plus any alternative names. One for the Christmas list.

* Embroidery Magazine *

The Royal School of Needlework (RSN) preserves the art of embroidery through the RSN Stitch Bank, which features 200 stitches with detailed instructions, illustrations and photographs. In this handy book, the stitches are split into seven chapters based on their usage, making them easy to apply. The book also shares historical pieces from RSN’s Collection and Archive, giving readers an insight into the past.

* CrossStitcher *

The Royal School of Needlework (RSN), founded in 1872, has supported British embroiderers for centuries. Some of its craftspeople have worked on the coronation regalia of Britain’s kings and queens and created iconic publications such as 2018’s Book of Embroidery. The RSN also maintains a digital stitch bank, an archive of stitches and their history dedicated to documenting and preserving the artistic record. This authoritative book contains 200 of these stitches that are common across many cultures. Divided into seven color-coded chapters arranged by usage, the stitches fall into categories such as outlining, filling, shading, edging, and embellishing. Each stitch is named following the most common terminology in Britain and is introduced with a brief techniques list and background information. Diagrams form the heart of the book and provide step-by-step instructions and close-up photos of each stitch. Directions are sufficient for most embroiderers, although a basic skill level is assumed. The stitch range should support beginners to advanced experts. Plentiful illustrations of textiles employing many of the stitches round out the work.

VERDICT: Embroiderers will be happy to have this high-quality reference guide.

– Neal Wyatt * Library Journal *

It’s a new year and the Royal School of Needlework has launched a new book! The team at Search Press sent me a copy of the RSN’s Stitch Bank: 200 Essential Embroidery Stitches. This is a printed companion to its free online directory, RSN Stitch Bank.Each stitch is accompanied by detailed step-by-step instructions, illustrations and high-quality images, along with examples from the RSN’s textile collection and fascinating historical insights. RSN Stitch Bank aims to digitally preserve and conserve every stitch around the world and they currently have 475 featured stitches. As a charity, they don’t receive any funding for their free online resource, so each stitch is sponsored. If you’re interested in sponsoring a stitch, you can do so at RSNStitchBank.org. The name of the sponsor sits alongside the stitch, or you can adopt a stitch in memory of someone special to you (perhaps your grandmother who inspired you to pick up a needle and thread!). 

* @hlesliedesign *

Embroidery is a living art. The aim of the RSN Stitch Bank is to ensure that hand embroidery isn’t just kept alive, but flourishes into the future. The 200 stitches in this book are a mix of practical and purely decorative, carefully selected to provide a broad and varied basis for any embroiderer. This book aims to empower every embroiderer to create contemporary works informed and supported by centuries of experience.

We say: This sumptuous book also showcases historical pieces from the RSN’s unparalleled Collection and Archive, with stunning photography and expert insight, bringing the skills, work and experience of the past to life

* Craft Focus *

The Royal School of Needlework (RSN) is the international centre of excellence for the art of hand embroidery and offers a range of courses for beginners through to advanced, ranging from short courses to a Degree.

Dr Susan Kay-Williams has been Chief Executive of the Royal School of Needlework since 2007. During her time with the RSN, Susan has introduced the Degree in Hand Embroidery; the Professional Embroidery Tutor programme; the Diploma in Technical Hand Embroidery, regular onsite exhibitions and in particular, in response to lockdown, teaching online and the incredible resource, RSN Stitch Bank.

Susan curated the RSN’s 150th anniversary exhibition at the Fashion and Textile Museum and is also author of An Unbroken Thread - Celebrating 150 Years of the Royal School of Needlework and The Story of Colour in Textiles.