Royal School of Needlework

RSN Certificate & Diploma in Technical Hand Embroidery

Teaching hand embroidery to a high degree of technical excellence
Learning any skill to master-craftsman level takes hours of tuition and practice. These courses are planned to give you the time and attention required to master complex technique so that you are equipped with the skills necessary to produce fine quality work to high standard.

How we teach
There is no group class teaching - on each day you will find students working individual projects at different stages of completion. An Individual Learning Plan to suit your requirements is devised with the tutor and you will follow the syllabus at your own pace with lots of individual tuition.

Where we teach
The RSN Certificate and Diploma is taught at Hampton Court Palace, Bristol, Durham, Rugby and Glasgow, in San Francisco in the USA and in Tokyo and Nagoya, Japan.  From 2013 we’ll be teaching in the Netherlands near Rotterdam.   Depending on your choice of venue you can complete the course in one year, or you can extend it over several years to a limit of five years.

1) RSN Certificate in Technical Hand Embroidery
If you want to learn technical hand embroidery to a high standard, this course is for you. It’s a “hands-on” practical course with a minimum of written work and very flexible attendance options if you have work and family commitments.

Entry requirements
You'll need a little experience of embroidery, enthusiasm and commitment to the course.

What you'll study
The four core techniques are Jacobean crewelwork, silk shading, basic goldwork and either canvaswork or blackwork. At Hampton Court there are optional Design Days throughout the year where you can choose to develop your personal knowledge of art and design.

Once you have gained the Certificate, you can progress to the RSN Diploma. For students who complete an additional written unit and interview, both the RSN Certificate and RSN Diploma are accepted as an entrance qualification to the RSN Degree Programme.

Find out what it's like studying the RSN Certificate in Technical Hand embroidery - read Linda Kilgore's article
(Needle Pointers November 2011 ©American Needlepoint Guild - Sunwest Publishing, Inc)

More RSN Certificate Course information
RSN Certificate Course booking form 2011-2012

2) RSN Diploma in Technical Hand Embroidery
This course is a progression from the Certificate Course and develops your skills and techniques to an advanced level.  You’ll learn to understand and apply professional practice, work independently and reflect critically on your own progress. This is a “hands-on” practical course with a minimum of written work and very flexible attendance options if you have work and family commitments

Entry requirements
Successful completion of the RSN Certificate Course combined with enthusiasm and commitment.

What you'll study
Initially, three core techniques starting with appliqué and then moving on to advanced goldwork and advanced silk shading. You will then work a minimum of three other techniques of your choice.  At Hampton Court there are optional Design Days throughout the year where you can choose to develop your personal knowledge of art and design. 

Students who gain the RSN Diploma will have the potential to work in a commercial studio or in a voluntary capacity in stately homes and cathedrals.   Some students study the Diploma to develop skills for their personal satisfaction, or to enhance their career in fashion or textiles. For students who complete an additional written unit and interview, both the RSN Certificate and RSN Diploma are accepted as an entrance qualification to the RSN Degree programme.

More RSN Diploma Course information
RSN Diploma booking form 2011-2012

For more information on the RSN Certificate or RSN Diploma courses
contact Gill Holdsworth  or T: +44(0)20 3166 6937