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The creative art of embroidery

Decorating textiles with needle and thread is believed to date back to ancient times. The oldest surviving example of British embroidery is the stole of St Cuthbert, preserved in Durham Cathedral, from the 10th century. Several hundred years later, embroidery has moved away from the heraldic and ecclesiastical to become a craft form, using techniques passed down from one generation to the next.

With industrialisation, machines can recreate the look of embroidery, but the skill has not been lost. Today, with growing consumer desire for handmade, bespoke items, activities like embroidery are increasingly sought-after.

As no previous needlework experience is needed, it is the perfect choice for those seeking a creative endeavour. “Start with an easy kit from a company or tutor whose designs you love,” advises Phillipa Turnbull who, with her daughter Laura, runs The Crewel Work Company, which sells kits, offers lessons and organises embroidery retreats. Other