{"title":"Fragile Threads Courses","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe RSN’s Fragile Threads collection features five Short Courses exploring biodiversity and the natural world through hand embroidery. Made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the collection includes two online courses and three at Kew, celebrating nature’s beauty, complexity and fragility.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"couture-sequinned-peony-nature-meets-couture","title":"Couture Sequinned Peony : Nature Meets Couture","description":"\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExplore the world of couture embroidery with this \u003c\/span\u003eFragile Threads online course\u003cspan\u003e, learning how hand beading, sequin work and embroidery can be used to transform a peony into a sculptural three-dimensional design.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInspired by the beauty and structure of the natural world, you will explore how different materials can be layered, blended and manipulated to create depth across the petals of the flower. Learn how to blend sequins with thread work to create subtle transitions of colour, texture and light, giving the impression of movement and three-dimensional form.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSome petals will be created as raised, sculptural elements, while others will be worked directly onto the fabric, using carefully placed materials to create the illusion of depth. You will also learn couture-inspired approaches to thread work, exploring how the direction and placement of stitches can create a smooth surface with a beautiful sheen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGoldwork materials and beads will be incorporated throughout the design, introducing contrasting textures and details that bring the different elements of the peony together.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCombining botanical inspiration with contemporary couture techniques, this special online course celebrates nature through texture, structure and embellishment, creating a peony that appears to emerge from the fabric.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout Fragile Threads\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFragile Threads is a pioneering project from the Royal School of Needlework (RSN), exploring how embroidery can be used to engage with some of the most important issues facing our world today.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe project reconnects the historic practice of embroidery with contemporary conversations, bringing together artists, embroiderers, designers, communities and partner organisations to explore how making can encourage reflection, connection and positive change.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe current focus of Fragile Threads is biodiversity and our relationship with the natural world. Through embroidery, the project explores the beauty, complexity and fragility of the ecosystems around us, translating conversations around biodiversity and species loss into creative experiences that feel personal, tangible and hopeful.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWorking with organisations and communities from grassroots groups to major cultural and environmental partners, Fragile Threads combines heritage, contemporary practice, education and collaboration. At its heart is the idea that embroidery can do more than decorate: it can tell stories, preserve experiences, connect people and provide a powerful way of responding to the world around us.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe project will culminate in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNature’s Fragile Threads\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, a major exhibition at Bankside Gallery in London from 23 February to 7 March 2027. The exhibition will bring together historic works and designs from the RSN Collection and Archive with contemporary embroidery from within and beyond the RSN community, exploring how nature has inspired embroiderers across generations and how stitch can bear witness to biodiversity and species loss.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFragile Threads is made possible with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRoyal School of Needlework Fragile Threads Courses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs part of Fragile Threads, the Royal School of Needlework has created a special collection of five Short Courses exploring biodiversity, the natural world and our relationship with nature through hand embroidery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe collection includes two online courses and three special in-person courses hosted at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Inspired by the themes of Fragile Threads, participants will explore colour, texture and three-dimensional embroidery techniques while taking inspiration from the extraordinary diversity of the natural world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough these creative experiences, participants will discover how embroidery can encourage closer observation of nature and provide a powerful way to celebrate its beauty, complexity and fragility.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Royal School of Needlework","offers":[{"title":"4th February - 11th March (consecutive Thursdays) 2pm - 4:30pm","offer_id":63821526434122,"sku":"FT27005","price":315.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1036\/4541\/3706\/files\/rsn_class_sample_Fragile_Threads_005.jpg?v=1790935241"},{"product_id":"wildflower-meadow-in-couture-embroidery","title":"Wildflower Meadow in Couture Embroidery","description":"\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExplore the artistry of high-end couture embroidery with this \u003c\/span\u003eeight-week online course, combining atelier-standard techniques with the delicate beauty of the natural world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInspired by an abstract wildflower meadow, this contemporary design brings together a beautiful palette of soft, muted pastels with layers of texture, movement and embellishment. Rather than recreating individual flowers literally, you will explore how colour, materials and stitch can capture the impression of wildflowers growing together, creating a delicate and expressive embroidered surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcross eight weeks, you will explore a range of couture embroidery techniques, including ribbonwork, tambour embroidery, hand beading and surface stitching, discovering how different processes and materials can be combined within a single contemporary design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou will learn how to build texture and dimension through layered embroidery, create delicate floral forms using ribbon and thread, introduce light and detail through beads and embellishment and use tambour techniques to develop fluid, intricate areas of stitch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its soft colours, abstract botanical forms and richly worked surface, this exploratory course brings together the precision of the couture atelier with the freedom and beauty of a wildflower meadow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout Fragile Threads\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFragile Threads is a pioneering project from the Royal School of Needlework (RSN), exploring how embroidery can be used to engage with some of the most important issues facing our world today.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe project reconnects the historic practice of embroidery with contemporary conversations, bringing together artists, embroiderers, designers, communities and partner organisations to explore how making can encourage reflection, connection and positive change.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe current focus of Fragile Threads is biodiversity and our relationship with the natural world. Through embroidery, the project explores the beauty, complexity and fragility of the ecosystems around us, translating conversations around biodiversity and species loss into creative experiences that feel personal, tangible and hopeful.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWorking with organisations and communities from grassroots groups to major cultural and environmental partners, Fragile Threads combines heritage, contemporary practice, education and collaboration. At its heart is the idea that embroidery can do more than decorate: it can tell stories, preserve experiences, connect people and provide a powerful way of responding to the world around us.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe project will culminate in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNature’s Fragile Threads\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, a major exhibition at Bankside Gallery in London from 23 February to 7 March 2027. The exhibition will bring together historic works and designs from the RSN Collection and Archive with contemporary embroidery from within and beyond the RSN community, exploring how nature has inspired embroiderers across generations and how stitch can bear witness to biodiversity and species loss.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFragile Threads is made possible with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRoyal School of Needlework Fragile Threads Courses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs part of Fragile Threads, the Royal School of Needlework has created a special collection of five Short Courses exploring biodiversity, the natural world and our relationship with nature through hand embroidery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe collection includes two online courses and three special in-person courses hosted at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Inspired by the themes of Fragile Threads, participants will explore colour, texture and three-dimensional embroidery techniques while taking inspiration from the extraordinary diversity of the natural world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough these creative experiences, participants will discover how embroidery can encourage closer observation of nature and provide a powerful way to celebrate its beauty, complexity and fragility.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Royal School of Needlework","offers":[{"title":"1st March - 19th April (consecutive Mondays) 6pm - 8:30pm","offer_id":63825969938762,"sku":"FT27004","price":545.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1036\/4541\/3706\/files\/Wildflowers4.jpg?v=1791291843"},{"product_id":"rare-butterfly-in-contemporary-embroidery","title":"Rare Butterfly in Contemporary Embroidery","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExplore the beauty and fragility of the natural world with this special \u003c\/span\u003efour-day Fragile Threads course at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, inspired by rare butterflies and the growing threat of species loss.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWorked on a soft cream ground, the butterfly combines rich rust-coloured threads with copper goldwork, surface stitching and hand beading to capture the intricate pattern and structure of its wings. You will explore how contrasting materials can be layered to create delicate lines, areas of colour and intricate details, while metallic threads and beads introduce light and texture across the design. Natural raffia is also incorporated into the piece, introducing an unexpected material and a sustainable element to the embroidery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough four days of detailed stitching, you will create a contemporary interpretation of a rare butterfly while exploring the themes of biodiversity and conservation at the heart of the Fragile Threads\u003cspan\u003e project. Set within the surroundings of Kew, the course brings together embroidery, nature and craftsmanship to celebrate the beauty of species that are increasingly at risk.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout Fragile Threads\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFragile Threads is a pioneering project from the Royal School of Needlework (RSN), exploring how embroidery can be used to engage with some of the most important issues facing our world today.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe project reconnects the historic practice of embroidery with contemporary conversations, bringing together artists, embroiderers, designers, communities and partner organisations to explore how making can encourage reflection, connection and positive change.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe current focus of Fragile Threads is biodiversity and our relationship with the natural world. Through embroidery, the project explores the beauty, complexity and fragility of the ecosystems around us, translating conversations around biodiversity and species loss into creative experiences that feel personal, tangible and hopeful.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWorking with organisations and communities from grassroots groups to major cultural and environmental partners, Fragile Threads combines heritage, contemporary practice, education and collaboration. At its heart is the idea that embroidery can do more than decorate: it can tell stories, preserve experiences, connect people and provide a powerful way of responding to the world around us.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe project will culminate in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNature’s Fragile Threads\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, a major exhibition at Bankside Gallery in London from 23 February to 7 March 2027. The exhibition will bring together historic works and designs from the RSN Collection and Archive with contemporary embroidery from within and beyond the RSN community, exploring how nature has inspired embroiderers across generations and how stitch can bear witness to biodiversity and species loss.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFragile Threads is made possible with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRoyal School of Needlework Fragile Threads Courses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs part of Fragile Threads, the Royal School of Needlework has created a special collection of five Short Courses exploring biodiversity, the natural world and our relationship with nature through hand embroidery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe collection includes two online courses and three special in-person courses hosted at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Inspired by the themes of Fragile Threads, participants will explore colour, texture and three-dimensional embroidery techniques while taking inspiration from the extraordinary diversity of the natural world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough these creative experiences, participants will discover how embroidery can encourage closer observation of nature and provide a powerful way to celebrate its beauty, complexity and fragility.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Royal School of Needlework","offers":[{"title":"Monday 29th March - Thursday 1st April (10.30am - 4:30pm)","offer_id":63826315280714,"sku":"FT27003","price":325.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1036\/4541\/3706\/files\/copperbutterfly2.jpg?v=1791293151"},{"product_id":"butterfly-in-natural-materials","title":"Butterfly in Sustainable Embroidery","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExplore sustainability in contemporary hand embroidery with this special \u003c\/span\u003eFragile Threads course at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, combining the beauty of the natural world with a thoughtful approach to the materials used to represent it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInspired by the delicate structure and colouring of a butterfly, you will create a contemporary embroidered design using natural materials throughout. Worked in a beautiful palette of soft blues, aquas and natural tones, the design explores how different threads, fibres and materials can be combined to create intricate detail, texture and movement across the wings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou will explore a range of surface embroidery techniques, using changes in stitch, colour and texture to capture the transparency and structure of the butterfly’s wings. Natural materials are also incorporated into the surrounding botanical details, creating a connection between the subject of the embroidery and the materials used to stitch it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs part of the Fragile Threads collection, this course considers sustainability not only through its subject matter but through embroidery practice itself, encouraging you to explore how material choices can become part of the story behind a piece of embroidery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout Fragile Threads\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFragile Threads is a pioneering project from the Royal School of Needlework (RSN), exploring how embroidery can be used to engage with some of the most important issues facing our world today.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe project reconnects the historic practice of embroidery with contemporary conversations, bringing together artists, embroiderers, designers, communities and partner organisations to explore how making can encourage reflection, connection and positive change.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe current focus of Fragile Threads is biodiversity and our relationship with the natural world. Through embroidery, the project explores the beauty, complexity and fragility of the ecosystems around us, translating conversations around biodiversity and species loss into creative experiences that feel personal, tangible and hopeful.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWorking with organisations and communities from grassroots groups to major cultural and environmental partners, Fragile Threads combines heritage, contemporary practice, education and collaboration. At its heart is the idea that embroidery can do more than decorate: it can tell stories, preserve experiences, connect people and provide a powerful way of responding to the world around us.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe project will culminate in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNature’s Fragile Threads\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, a major exhibition at Bankside Gallery in London from 23 February to 7 March 2027. The exhibition will bring together historic works and designs from the RSN Collection and Archive with contemporary embroidery from within and beyond the RSN community, exploring how nature has inspired embroiderers across generations and how stitch can bear witness to biodiversity and species loss.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFragile Threads is made possible with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRoyal School of Needlework Fragile Threads Courses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs part of Fragile Threads, the Royal School of Needlework has created a special collection of five Short Courses exploring biodiversity, the natural world and our relationship with nature through hand embroidery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe collection includes two online courses and three special in-person courses hosted at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Inspired by the themes of Fragile Threads, participants will explore colour, texture and three-dimensional embroidery techniques while taking inspiration from the extraordinary diversity of the natural world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough these creative experiences, participants will discover how embroidery can encourage closer observation of nature and provide a powerful way to celebrate its beauty, complexity and fragility.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"RSN","offers":[{"title":"Wednesday 2nd June - Friday 4th June 2027","offer_id":63826478137674,"sku":"FT27002","price":295.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1036\/4541\/3706\/files\/BlueButterfly1.jpg?v=1791294570"},{"product_id":"waterlily-in-contemporary-embroidery","title":"Waterlily in Contemporary Embroidery","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExplore the beauty and biodiversity of freshwater habitats with this special\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003ethree-day Fragile Threads course at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInspired by the delicate forms of the waterlily and its surrounding leaves, this contemporary design combines a fresh palette of greens, soft pinks and metallic details to create a beautifully light and expressive interpretation of nature.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcross three days, you will explore a variety of surface embroidery, goldwork and hand beading techniques, using changes in stitch direction, density and texture to create the structure of the leaves and delicate petals of the waterlily. Metallic threads, beads and sequins introduce areas of light and movement, while open areas of the design allow the fabric beneath to become an important part of the finished piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCreated as part of the Fragile Threads collection, the course draws attention to the beauty and fragility of freshwater ecosystems and the extraordinary plant life they support. Set within the surroundings of Kew, it brings together contemporary embroidery, botanical inspiration and the wider themes of biodiversity and our connection with the natural world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout Fragile Threads\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFragile Threads is a pioneering project from the Royal School of Needlework (RSN), exploring how embroidery can be used to engage with some of the most important issues facing our world today.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe project reconnects the historic practice of embroidery with contemporary conversations, bringing together artists, embroiderers, designers, communities and partner organisations to explore how making can encourage reflection, connection and positive change.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe current focus of Fragile Threads is biodiversity and our relationship with the natural world. Through embroidery, the project explores the beauty, complexity and fragility of the ecosystems around us, translating conversations around biodiversity and species loss into creative experiences that feel personal, tangible and hopeful.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWorking with organisations and communities from grassroots groups to major cultural and environmental partners, Fragile Threads combines heritage, contemporary practice, education and collaboration. At its heart is the idea that embroidery can do more than decorate: it can tell stories, preserve experiences, connect people and provide a powerful way of responding to the world around us.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe project will culminate in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNature’s Fragile Threads\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, a major exhibition at Bankside Gallery in London from 23 February to 7 March 2027. The exhibition will bring together historic works and designs from the RSN Collection and Archive with contemporary embroidery from within and beyond the RSN community, exploring how nature has inspired embroiderers across generations and how stitch can bear witness to biodiversity and species loss.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFragile Threads is made possible with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRoyal School of Needlework Fragile Threads Courses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs part of Fragile Threads, the Royal School of Needlework has created a special collection of five Short Courses exploring biodiversity, the natural world and our relationship with nature through hand embroidery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe collection includes two online courses and three special in-person courses hosted at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Inspired by the themes of Fragile Threads, participants will explore colour, texture and three-dimensional embroidery techniques while taking inspiration from the extraordinary diversity of the natural world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough these creative experiences, participants will discover how embroidery can encourage closer observation of nature and provide a powerful way to celebrate its beauty, complexity and fragility.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"RSN","offers":[{"title":"Friday 2nd April - Sunday 4th April 2027","offer_id":63826534629706,"sku":"FT27001","price":295.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1036\/4541\/3706\/files\/Waterlily1.jpg?v=1791295204"}],"url":"https:\/\/rsn.org.uk\/collections\/fragile-threads-courses.oembed","provider":"Royal School of Needlework","version":"1.0","type":"link"}