22 September 2023

25 new stitches have been added to the RSN Stitch Bank, bringing the total number to 400. Each stitch entry contains information about its history, use and structure as well as a step-by-step method with photographs, illustrations and video.

Explore the New stitches

Block trellis (pattern)

Braid stitch filling

Condensed mosaic stitch

Darning stitch

Diagonal stitch

Diagonal tile (pattern)

Diaper couching (goldwork)

Double darning

Double knot stitch

Four-legged knot stitch

Framed cross filling

Jessica Stitch

Knotted cable chain stitch

Knotted chain stitch

Ladder hem stitch

Open basket filling stitch

Open fishbone stitch

Open honeycomb (pattern)

Puncetto Valsesiano

Ringed back stitch filling

Rosette chain stitch

Rounded eyelet (pattern)

Scottish squares

Spaced cross stitch filling

Spine chain stitch

The Royal School of Needlework has created the RSN Stitch Bank to mark its 150th anniversary and continue its founding mission to preserve the art of hand embroidery. The RSN Stitch Bank aims to digitally conserve and showcase the wide variety of the world’s embroidery stitches and the ways in which they have been used in different cultures and times.

The RSN Stitch Bank is an ongoing project. More stitches will be added regularly and the RSN will be working with partners around the world to include stitches from different traditions.