England is a country where centuries-old traditions of needlework are still alive, and I mean beyond museums and historic collections: it’s a place of many workshops, historic embroidery schools, specialist studios, suppliers, traditional ateliers and contemporary embroiderers. Its extraordinary textile heritage is still being practiced today.
One remarkable name above all: the Royal School of Needlework. With its long history of teaching and practicing fine embroidery, it’s one of the most prestigious places to train in fine embroidery. You can attend too, because they offer graduation courses, beginner workshops, specialized deep-dives and even online classes!
Just to name a specialist company, check out Hand & Lock, renowned for its embroidery and passementerie and its connections with the world of fashion and historical costume. You can hire them for the most intricate and marvelous projects, as did for example Bernadette Banner, the costume historian author of “Make, Sew and Mend“, whose embroidery adventures with Hand & Lock are available on her YouTube channel. Hand & Lock is a supplier of the finest embroidery materials, too!
Another name I want to give a special mention to is The Crewel Work Company, dedicated to the beautiful tradition of crewel embroidery, providing supplies, historically accurate kits, highly specialized courses, online events and also embroidery retreats that are among the best needlework experiences you could ask for. A family business launched over 30 years ago, it’s the creation of embroidery specialist Philippa Turnbull, a well known name in the embroidery community. They feature some of the most notable tutors around, with names like Jenny Adin-Christine or Kate Barlow just to name a few.
These places are part of the living history of British embroidery, where you can shop for supplies, find inspiration and learn. Really, learn a lot!
Because, beyond those bigger names, there are those wonderful independent shops, needlework suppliers, fabric stores and small businesses that make England such an interesting destination for anyone who loves stitching. There is always something worth discovering, even in the smallest most secluded store, from the perfect thread to an almost forgotten historic embroidery technique, from highly specialist tools to simply the perfect inspiration.
No wonder I chose to give England a special spot, right? After Milan and Florence and Tuscany, I’m crossing the Channel to explore a country where embroidery has such a long and fascinating history and where that history is still very much alive. I hope you find something worth exploring in this little guide to must-visit places for embroiderers.
This is part of my bigger collaborative, ever-growing project: a global collection of recommended embroidery and needlework shops. It’s a collection built by embroiderers for embroiderers, bringing together recommendations for local shops, specialist producers, workshops, fairs and online stores around the world.
Let’s go find that little shop, workshop or supplier you just didn’t know you loved. And if you know others that should be in this list, please let me know!
The Stitching Lady
21 Gladstone Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO12 7BQ (United Kingdom)
This shop supports other small businesses by stocking their embroidery and cross stitch kits as well as supplies and accessories, including DMC and Anchor threads. It also supplie crochet and knitting supplies, and run workshops for the local community.
The Viking Loom Ltd
Wigginton Lodge, 32 Wigginton Rd Clifton, York YO31 8HQ (United Kingdom)
Viking Loom is worth the trip if you are into crewel work. They have the full Appleton range of crewel and tapestry wools. They carry top quality embroidery linen including Twill. So if like me you need to see before you buy its fantastic.
They also have a drool worthy selection of patterned fabrics for quilting, or just simply hoarding. And lots and lots of other haberdashery and pretty things.
It’s located in the countryside outside of the city of York, in converted farm buildings. Its a great shop and the nearest to me, so it’s my go to. But they also sell over the Internet too.
I don’t like their Web shop and find it difficult to use on my phone, it may be better accessed on a laptop. But you can ring them up and they will put your order together over the phone.
The Patchwork Rabbit
20 High St, Bromham, Chippenham SN15 2EX (United Kingdom)
Excellent customer service, helpful and fast.
I love the amount of choices they offer. Excellent shop!
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(ED) They operate their High Street location by appointment only, but are fully available online
Stitches & Cream
16 High Street, Falmouth, Cornwall (United Kingdom)
Sells fabric, threads and notions, kits. Also do workshops, dressmaking classes, etc.
I bought some great “chenille” needles that came in a little wooden box and some end of line wool.
Also sells natural fibre wools, etc.
Friendly lady (Nick) was very helpful today. (ED: 03/03/2023)
Fashion n Fabrics
24 Beech Road, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, AL3 5AS (United Kingdom)
l have shopped there for lovely fabrics for many years.
The previous owner was still working there in her 80s.
Then fortunately a lady who worked there bought it and carried on the wonderful stock of fabrics, threads, wools, trimmings etc.
They are so friendly and helpful.
I travel from Spain to buy fabrics for my covered boxes workshops. I am spoilt for choice and can also choose a suitable lining fabric to match.
Check out their webage.
Highly recommended.
DeVere Yarns
DeVere Fabrics Ltd. – Weavers House, Hyde Wood Road, Little Yeldham, Halstead, Essex – CO9 4QX (United Kingdom)
They sell the most beautiful filament silk in a range of thicknesses. Plus they sell two kinds of cotton thread, both are combed and mercerized.
And they sell wool that’s beautiful.
And they have fun advent calendar filled with thread for Christmas.
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(ED) DeVere Yarns is part of Devere Fabrics Ltd, suppliers of fine silks and other furnishings for historic interiors.
Crewel Work Company
1 Old Spooners, The Sands, Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria, Ca16 6XN (United Kingdom)
The absolute best I have nearly done nearly all their kits so rather experienced.
The quality is the highest
I have come across making an heirloom which your great grandchildren will be proudly showing off as an example with family pride. I think the kits are museum quality.
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(ED) They have a collection of antique embroidery including Arts and Crafts era and Jacobean 17th Century crewel work and 17th century Elizabethan embroideries. Available to view for groups by special arrangement.
Golden Hinde
28 Edward Gardens, Woolston, Warrington WA1 4QT (United Kingdom)
They are the best goldwork suppliers.
They have the widest range of goldwork supplies I have found. The quality is excellent and customer service is superb!
Northgate Needlecraft
158 Northgate St, Great Yarmouth NR30 1BY (United Kingdom)
I can only order online from them due to distance but their customer service is absolutely fantastic.
The owners are super helpful and friendly. And I love the huge amount of choice they offer.
(Helga)
It’s only a little shop located in Great Yarmouth in Norfolk on the east coast of the UK.
It’s aladdin’s cave of all things stitch.
They stock ribbons and panels by Di Van Niekerk, Roseworks embroidery panels, weeks dye works, gentle art, kreinik metallic, aidas, evenweaves and linens and so much more
(Sharon)
Spinning Weal
18-20 Old Church Rd, Clevedon BS21 6LY (United Kingdom)
The Spinning Weal in Clevedon, UK, really worth a visit.
Big shop with fabric, embroidery threads, wool and very friendly staff.
Lenham Needlecraft
Hillside Farm, Holcombe Lane, Moorlinch, Somerset TA7 9BX (United Kingdom)
Lenham Needlecraft is an online shop worth knowing. It is run by Liz Tapper who was an Apprentice at the RSN. She is based in Somerset UK and also takes classes – some are online via Zoom so handy if you live a long distance away.
Some of the products she sells include Appleton’s wools (Tapestry and Crewel), canvas of various counts, MetalThreads, Mountmellick fabric and thread, other embroidery fabrics, needles, a sturdy hoop frame one of which I use myself.
Liz sells a selection of kits, some by herself (I have enjoyed doing many of these and found the instructions clear) and some by other embroiderers. She is knowledgeable and helpful. Please see her website for further information.
Fobbles
Gubbergill, Holmrook CA19 1YQ (United Kingdom)
My favourite needlework store is Fobbles located on the west coast of Cumbria in the north of England .
Beverley the owner is very knowledgeable and the shop though small carries a large amount of stock – including all Au Ver a Soie Soie D’Alger threads; Fine D’Aubusson; Gentle Arts Sampler threads; Weeks Dye Works; Classic Colorworks; Belle Soie; Painters Threads – Zweigart linens; patchwork fabrics ; Sue Spargo threads and fabrics ; embroidery books; cross stitch charts ; embroidery needles, pins, scissors and many accessories – literally a small Aladdin’s cave.
As well as the brick and mortar shop Beverley also supplies by mail order.
The brick and mortar store is not open full time – Beverley works alone – but it is easy to make contact and book a time to visit when mutually convenient with no obligation to buy but if you visit you’ll be doing well to get out without being tempted!
If you’re visiting the western Lake District do go for a visit.
Hand & Lock
86 Margaret St, London W1W 8EX (United Kingdom)
My experience has been as a location for classes and talks, but they have a selection of items for sale.
I would certainly recommend a visit when it is open to the public.
I think they are the last or one of very few commercial hand embroidery workshops operating in London, once a thriving trade.
They have mainly metal thread. Tours of the atelier require an appointment.
All Stitched Up
Errington House, Humshaugh, Hexham NE46 4HP (United Kingdom)
A business with 25 years of activity by Carolyn Dowie.
She supplies DMC threads and Appleton wools, together with some variagated silks , canvas, and accessories.
Based in Northumberland, UK, she runs classes at home, and in Edinburgh, and a few workshops during the year around the country.
She sells her own designs (computerised charted instructions, with canvas and materials) and also designs by Anna Pearson.
She can offer a bespoke service should someone want a certain design but in their own colours.
Amble Pin Cushion
20-22 Queen St, Amble, NE65 0BZ (United Kingdom)
Great shop for sewing supplies in the North of the UK.
They sell fabric, haberdashery and craft supplies, both online and on premise.
Heirs & Graces
Station Road, Darley Dale, Matlock DE4 2EQ (United Kingdom)
Heirs and Graces, is an embroidery specialist treasure trove. I’ve only been twice as it’s quite a drive from me, in Matlock, Derbyshire. It’s a while since I’ve been too, pre-lock downs, so I had to check they were still trading before I recommended them on here.
I was super pleased to see that they are, and have expanded into the Internet now! Previously other than an address in the yellow pages they were not on the Internet.
They have a super range of fabrics, various threads, all your major ones plus small independently produced embroidery thread. I actually bought silver purl and bright check from them for a gold/silver work project which is currently “on going”.
They had a beautiful range of gold work supplies. They also offer a range of courses and workshops in a variety of crafts and techniques.
All in all, a great shop, and I shall be back whenever I’m in the vicinity.
Masons
22 Bath Street, Abingdon, OX14 3JF (UK)
In Abingdon (UK) there’s a wonderful shop selling embroidery threads and so much more: it’s Masons.
They have three separate shops for fabric, wool and upholstery. Three gems. Three wonderful craft shops. So lucky to live nearby!
(ED) The three shops are:
- Dress Fabric Shop: 20 Bath Street – Dress Fabric, Haberdashery & Dress Patterns
- Knitting & Upholstery Shop: 22 Bath Street – Craft items, Cake Decorations, Ribbons, Card Making, Jewellery Making & Embroidery
- Craft Shop: 39 Stert Street – Knitting Yarn, Knitting Patterns, Knitting & Crochet Accessories, Upholstery Fabric, Upholstery Foam, Upholstery Accessories and Buttons
RNS Royal School of Needlework Shop
Hampton Court Palace, Surrey KT8 9AU (United Kingdom)
There is a school and shop at Hampton Court Palace.
Lots to buy and you can take classes. They also have schools throughout UK and Scotland.
Hampton Court is their main base so they have kits, threads and etc.
MacCulloch & Wallis Ltd
25-26 Poland St, London W1F 8QN (United Kingdom)
A glorious haberdashery and fabric store.
They have cotton, wool, fabric, sewing materials, patterns.
Knowledgeable staff.
Tapisserie Ltd
29a Thurloe Pl, South Kensington, London SW7 2HQ (United Kingdom)
It is located a stone’s throw from the V&A Museum.
They specialize in handpainted canvases for all kinds of needlework for smaller accessories to larger upholstered furnitures.
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