http://www.embroiderersguild.com/, https://courses.embroiderersguild.com/, https://linktr.ee/embroiderersguildukofficial

The UK Embroiderers' Guild, Aylesbury (2026)

16/06/2026

Visit Festival of Quilts between 30 July - 2 August at the NEC, Birmingham

It is home to the biggest open quilt competition in the world, has the largest programme of workshops and talks offered anywhere in Europe and hosts some of the leading quilt artist exhibitions from around the globe, including Soul Stories and The Quilt Collection, showcasing narratives ranging from 18th-century pieces to modern contemporary statements.

Come along to everyone’s favourite Birmingham festival with an international reputation.

Use code EMBG26 to save £2 on standard adult/concession tickets only.

Offer not valid on VIP, Two-Day, Child or group tickets, or on Sunday 2nd August. Offer expires 2nd August 2026. Transaction fee applies.

15/06/2026

We are passionate about supporting new artists, and part of this is our thriving Graduates & Scholars Programme.

Every year, the Guild visits the @‌newdesigners show in London to discover exceptional emerging textile talent. From the many graduates exhibiting their work, up to eight are selected to join our Graduate Programme and exhibit at the @‌knitandstitchshows in London and Harrogate. It’s an invaluable opportunity for these emerging artists to make connections, gain visibility and take those first professional steps.

And for those chosen, the Guild's support goes beyond exhibition opportunities. They receive business training, mentoring, promotional opportunities, photography and confidence coaching, a year’s free Guild membership, support to help them build sustainable creative careers and more. Our Guild Scholars receive all of this, plus a £1,000 grant to develop their practice.

As a member of or donor to the Guild, you're helping to make these opportunities possible. Your support helps nurture emerging talent, develop the next generation of embroiderers and ensure that the art of stitch continues to thrive for years to come.

If you're visiting New Designers this year ( 1 -4 July ) do explore the textile and embroidery stands to see fresh ideas, new approaches to stitch and the future direction of textile art.

Have you been to the New Designers show, or are you going next month? Tell us in the comments.

Images
1 & 2 - Work from Guild Graduate 2024 @‌bonniemageestudio
3 & 4 - Work from Guild Graduate 2023 @‌sophie.woodfield_design

13/06/2026

Share what you love

We all start somewhere, and this is your chance to inspire beginner embroiderers with your skills and experience.

We're looking for volunteers to share their knowledge, introduce others to the joy of stitching and meet the next generation of stitchers.

If you love embroidery and are a competent stitcher then your talent would be welcomed by the Guild and those at the start of their textile art journey.

In collaboration with we’re planning a series of short skills sessions across the UK from October 2026 to April 2027. We’re inviting volunteers to play a vital part - for just one session or several, whatever suits you best.

Materials will be provided, travel expenses reimbursed and support is available throughout.
If this sounds like you, contact [email protected] by 30 June to find out more.

We’re looking forward to hearing from you!

10/06/2026

What can stripes, tassels, a handful of beads or simple spots become in your hands?

Join textile artist Mary Sleigh @‌marysleigh for a vibrant online demonstration inspired by the rich textile traditions and decorative arts of the Xhosa people of South Africa, who use these simple but effective techniques to distinctive effect.

This is an invitation to look differently and connect with the ingenuity and hand-crafted knowledge passed down through generations. Whether you’re an experienced stitcher or simply creatively curious, you’ll leave inspired to explore new textures, marks and materials in your own work.

Mary has spent years researching southern African textiles and decorative arts, publishing two books on the subject and developing an internationally respected textile practice.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/eg-demo-spots-stripes-beads-and-tassels-with-mary-sleigh-tickets-1984802975128

Book now for the Demo on 20 June, 2-3pm BST, at the link in bio or on the Guild website
This demo is £2.99 for members and £11.55 for non-members.

If you’re thinking of joining the Guild, this is a good opportunity 🌞

The demonstration is in webinar format (attendee video and microphones will be turned off) and you can ask questions in the chat.

08/06/2026

It’s World Ocean Day @‌worldoceanday and from crashing waves and coastal memories to the creatures real and mythical that inhabit our seas, the ocean has long inspired textile artists and embroiderers.

Last year the theme for our Member Project was Land and Sea and we were so impressed with the emotive interpretations of the ocean.
As we admire these diverse works from both the Guild Collection and a piece from the 2025 Member Project, we can see how long our planet’s powerful waters have stirred creativity, making it a good moment to reflect on the importance of protecting them for future generations.

Have you been inspired by the ocean? Tell us in the comments.

Images ( See the whole Guild Collection @‌artukdotorgand website)

1.Guild Collection, pictorial panel c.1950, bequest acquired from Laurence Morgan Sears, 1982
2.Guild Collection, pictorial panel 1945-1960, gift acquired from H. Kidston, 1957
3.Panel stitched by the Embroiderers' Guild former members of the Strathendrick Branch – Helen Nairn, Frances MacLean, Debbie Muir, Nino Stewart, and Marjorie Watters. © The Great Tapestry of Scotland. Image credit: Alex Hewitt / The Great Tapestry of Scotland @‌greattapestryscotland
4.‘Above Waist/Waste Level’ by @‌l.wood100

07/06/2026

We all remember our favourite teacher, not because they had all the answers, but because they inspired us to find our own.

In the world of embroidery, a great teacher does more than pass on techniques. They share a passion for making, nurture innovation and help transform ideas into something meaningful.

Here at the Guild we passionately believe in mentoring, supporting each other and passing on our skills.

One of the most popular features in our new members’ magazine The Creative Thread is _Common Thread_, in which an experienced and emerging embroidery artist look at each others’ work and give generous, friendly and supportive feedback.

In the Spring issue Guild member and emerging artist took part, and we have two more talented artists to share with you in the Summer issue, out later this month.

Who is your favourite teacher? Maybe for embroidery or for another subject; but who believed in you and helped build your confidence.

Tell us in the comments

05/06/2026

Join Lucy Barter, @‌lucybarter_embroiderer Trustee of the Embroiderers’ Guild, for an inspiring in-person embroidery workshop at Hobbycraft Chelmsford on Saturday 13 June.

Lucy brings a wealth of experience as co-founder of the former San Francisco School of Needlework and Design, a Craftsy instructor, and former US Course Coordinator and tutor for the Royal School of Needlework.

What to expect:
• Learn 3–5 essential embroidery stitches
• Create your own simple, stylish design
• Choose from four beautiful patterns
• Build confidence to continue stitching at home

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/in-person-workshop-beginners-embroidery-with-lucy-barter-tickets-1985142886813

Whether you’ve never picked up a needle or you’re just starting out, this workshop is perfect for you!
You’ll receive fabric, threads, and a needle to take home so you can keep creating.

Additional tools used during the session will be available to purchase in-store

Bring a pen and paper if you’d like to take notes.
Suitable for ages 16+, but if you have an under 16 child or grandchild that would like to come along they are most welcome as long as you stay with them for the whole workshop.

We’d love to see what you create—share your work on Instagram and Facebook using

Spaces are limited—don’t miss out! Book via the link in our bio.

02/06/2026

What can stripes, tassels, a handful of beads or simple spots become in your hands?

Join textile artist Mary Sleigh @‌marysleigh for a vibrant online demonstration inspired by the rich textile traditions and decorative arts of the Xhosa people of South Africa, who use these simple but effective techniques to distinctive effect.

Following her recent Thread Talk, Mary shows how traditional patterns, adornment and making techniques can spark new ideas, experimental stitching and fresh ways of working.

This is an invitation to look differently and connect with the ingenuity and hand-crafted knowledge passed down through generations. Whether you’re an experienced stitcher or simply creatively curious, you’ll leave inspired to explore new textures, marks and materials in your own work.

Mary has spent years researching southern African textiles and decorative arts, publishing two books on the subject and developing an internationally respected textile practice.
•Expect inspiration
•Experimentation
•Ideas you’ll want to try immediately
•Book now for the Demo on 20 June, 2-3pm, at the link in bio or on the Guild website
•This demo is £2.99 for members and £11.55 for non-members.

If you’re thinking of joining the Guild, this is your sign. 🌞

The demonstration is in webinar format (attendee video and microphones will be turned off) and you can ask questions in the chat.
We’re looking forward to seeing you there.

Images 1 & 5 Mary Sleigh
2, Clare B Accessories
3 & 4 Wiki Commons
‌

01/06/2026

In the 1950s, Beryl Dean began transforming embroidery from a traditional craft into a bold art form.
Born in Kent in 1911, she trained at the Royal School of Needlework then at Bromley School of Art. She developed a distinctive style that challenged traditional expectations of embroidery. At a time when ecclesiastical embroidery often followed historic patterns, she introduced modern designs, expressive imagery & innovative use of stitch.
Beryl was particularly celebrated for her mastery of metal thread work & the ancient technique of _or nué_, transforming gold threads into rich pictorial compositions. Her work demonstrated that embroidery could be both a fine art & a powerful form of expression.
Alongside creating major commissions including the embroidered panels for St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle & the Silver Jubilee cope worn by the Bishop of London, Beryl shaped generations of stitchers through her teaching, writing and leadership. She served as Head of the Royal School of Needlework, Head of Women’s Crafts at Eastbourne School of Art, Senior Lecturer of Fine Art, University of Durham & played a pivotal role in the influential Needlework Development Scheme.
Awarded an MBE in 1975 for services to embroidery in the church, Beryl’s influence remains today through her work & as an author. Her commitment to exceptional craftsmanship, innovation & creativity continues to inspire embroiderers worldwide.
We celebrate her legacy with the Beryl Dean Award for Best Hand Stitching in our annual Members' Challenge sponsored by @‌janomeuk

Are you inspired by Beryl Dean's work? Tell us in the comments.
Images from the Embroiderers’ Guild Collection, © Embroiderers’ Guild. See the whole collection @‌artukdotorg website

1. Panel, 1958, hand embroidery, gift from Needlework Development Scheme, 1962
2. Panel, gift from Needlework Development Scheme, 1962
3. Sample,1953, hand embroidery & blackwork, gift from Needlework Development Scheme, 1962
4. Panel, hand embroidery, gift from Needlework Development Scheme, 1962
5. Sampler in folder format,1945–1965, hand embroidery, gift

29/05/2026

Are you ready to shine?

The theme for the 2026-27 Members’ Challenge, sponsored by @‌janomeuk, is Extraordinary, Innovative Architecture.

We invite you to explore the world’s exciting urban landscape and the materials and inspiration used to create some of our most impactful buildings. From shimmering titanium surfaces to reflective futuristic forms inspired by nature, movement and light we have never before seen such architectural experimentation – the perfect jumping off point to fuel your own creativity.

Think metallic fabrics, threads, beads and found objects, solid metal threadwork, shiny threads and materials.

Closing date is 28 February 2027, see the memzbers' area of the website for full entry details, or the main website section on how to become a member if you aren’t already.

This is the perfect way to stretch your imagination and focus on creating and completing a project to a deadline.
We can’t wait to see how you respond to this exciting theme.

The Members’ Challenge is open to all Guild members – you must be a member for the duration of the competition - with awards celebrating innovation, colour, composition, hand and machine stitching and including a special Janome-sponsored prize.

Winners will be exhibited at the shows the Guild attends and featured across our publications.
Good luck!

Images:
1: Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao - Edoardo Cuoghi / Unsplash
2.Hotel Marques de Riscal, Elciego - Wiki Commons
3.National Centre for the Performing Arts, Bejing - Wiki Commons
4.Cloud Gate by Anish Kapoor, Chicago - Creative Commons
‌

The UK Embroiderers' Guild

16/06/2026

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