About Us
Fragile Threads aims to grow awareness of embroidery by partnering with organisations, designers, and cultural changemakers. It's more than stitching, it’s a movement that connects creativity with causes that matter today.
Developed by
The Royal School of Needlework
Established in 1872, the RSN revives, preserves and teaches the heritage art of hand embroidery. We have earned an international reputation for knowledge, expertise and skill – making us the go-to organisation for anyone passionate about hand embroidery.
Our work spans a BA Hons degree and career-focused courses through to beginner sessions, schools’ programmes and collaborative projects, as well as a professional embroidery studio and an internationally significant textile collection and design archive.
RSN Stitch Bank
The world's largest free database of stitches, with over 500 documented and growing. Used by embroiderers, curators and historians worldwide to digitally conserve a record of every stitch.
Explore rsnstitchbank.org →
Environment & Biodiversity
The natural world has always been at the heart of embroidery, with historical examples such as embroideries reflecting new species of plants and animals brought to the UK from the Americas in the 17th Century right through to the modern day where embroidery artists are inspired by the beauty and fragility of nature.
Fragile Threads is not only highlighting this connection it is also championing more sustainable practices and encouraging the use of eco-friendly materials and recycling.
Mindfulness & Wellness
In recent years, more and more of us have turned to creative pastimes such as hand embroidery as a powerful tool for mental health and well-being. It is well known that the slow, focused attention and gentle repetition can calm the nervous system and reduce stress and anxiety. And the rhythmic actions of stitching help regulate breathing and heart rate, helping to promote mindfulness.
Community & Education
Fragile Threads aims to grow awareness and uptake of embroidery, by partnering with organisations, designers and cultural changemakers. It uses the art of embroidery as a means for our partners to share their passion for the things that are important to them today such as environment, mindfulness, community, education and wellness.
Fragile Threads is how we spread the word.
More information on these partnerships can be found here.
Find Out MoreFree Impact and Legacy Exhibition
Bankside Gallery in London
23 February - 7 March 2027
11am - 6pm