Please note this is a pre-order due in mid-November 2026, stock is limited so we ad use you order to avoid disappointment.
stock will be limited 15 DECADES OF EMBROIDERY 1783
The RSN Embroidery Studio has produced a series of 15 kits - one for each of the 15 decades since the founding of the Royal School of Needlework. The kit designs are taken from our archives and have been developed in a range of techniques and levels for embroiderers to enjoy and learn.
1783 Quaker Sampler, Counted Cross Stitch Embroidery Kit
Stitch a piece of history, inspired by an 18th-century treasure.
Inspired by an exquisite sampler held in the Royal School of Needlework’s collection, this striking embroidery design celebrates the tradition of small-scale needlework practised in the 18th century.
The original sampler was stitched in 1783 by Benjamina Rickman, a young Quaker girl from Westminster, London, who attended Ackworth School in West Yorkshire between 1780 and 1785. Founded in 1779 to educate the children of poorer Quaker families, Ackworth School has a rich history, making this sampler a fascinating glimpse into the lives and needlework of its pupils.
The inscription ‘B RICKMAN’ identifies the young embroiderer, while the date, 1783, marks the year she completed her work. Every detail offers a tangible connection to the past, preserving the skill, patience and creativity of a young girl learning her craft more than two centuries ago.
Now, inspired by this remarkable piece from the RSN’s historic collection, you can explore the beauty of traditional embroidery and recreate a design rooted in the rich heritage of British needlework.
A timeless celebration of history, craftsmanship and the enduring art of the needle
Skill Level: Intermediate
This kit contains: Even weave 28 count fabric, DMC stranded cotton, Tapestry 24 needles, Chart
Equipment Needed: 8-inch ring frame, dark thread for tacking, scissors
Final design size: 28.5 x 21.5 cm
The RSN Embroidery Studio has been at the heart of the Royal School of Needlework since it was founded in 1872. It is renowned for its exquisite hand embroidery for a range of clients including interior designers, fashion houses and private clients.
Warning: Not suitable for children, kit contains sharp objects.
