Royal School of Needlework Experience Classes

Native Wildflower: RSN Experience Class

Date: Friday 22 August 2025
Time: 10:00 - 16:00
Location: Hillsborough Castle (20 minutes from Belfast)

About the class

This striking native wildflower species can be identified by its intricately patterned petals. The checked pink and purple pattern is reminiscent of snake skin scales hence its common name, Snake’s Head fritillary. The elegant bell shaped flowers hang from curving slender stems with long thin leaves. Wild snake’s head fritillaries once more common are now classed as vulnerable.

This design provides an introduction to needlelace, which is used to fill the petals and create the distinctive checkerboard pattern. The design also includes a number of surface stitches including back stitch, split stitch, padded satin stitch, chain stitch, couching and trailing. Within the design there is plenty of opportunity to practise these techniques.

All the stitches will be covered within the tuition and you will be provided with a detailed instruction booklet to enable you to complete the design after the class. This class is suitable for embroiderers of all levels, although some embroidery experience may be helpful.

This design is stitched in a selection of vibrantly coloured cotton threads on a pink cotton fabric. In order to capture the vibrancy of the plant and achieve three-dimensional shading, threads will be blended in the needle and techniques for transitioning between colours will be covered in the class.

Equipment information

The class cost includes all materials and necessary equipment. All aspects of the motif will be covered during the class and a full instruction booklet will be included in the kit to enable you to complete the embroidery at home. You will be able to borrow ring frames and scissors on the day but may like to bring your own embroidery scissors and magnifiers if you need them.

All the stitches covered in this class and more can be found on the RSN Stitchbank.

How to join 

Registration commences at 09.45 in the Clore Learning Centre above the Stable Yard Café.  This is at the pedestrian entrance to the gardens from Hillsborough village – 1 The Square, Hillsborough, Co. Down BT26 6AG.

Complimentary coffee and tea will be served on arrival, but please note that in general, food and drink (other than bottled water) may not be consumed in the classroom.

Book below and find more information on pricing, parking and more.

A Wheel of Blackwork Tulips: RSN Experience Class

Date: Saturday 23 August 2025
Time: 10:00 - 16:00
Location: Hillsborough Castle (20 minutes from Belfast)

About the class

Inspired by mindful mandalas, this stunning tulip design is a great introduction to embroidery. Suitable for all abilities, including beginners, the motif is created using blackwork stitches, gold pearl purl and spangles and is stitched on a neutral linen fabric. Learn three blackwork patterns; Tulip, Floral Lace and Octagonal Star.

Equipment information

The class cost includes all materials and necessary equipment. All aspects of the motif will be covered during the class and an instruction booklet will be included in the kit to enable you to complete the embroidery at home. 

You can borrow ring frames and scissors on the day but may like to bring your own embroidery scissors and magnifiers if you need them.

All the stitches covered in this class and more can be found on the RSN Stitchbank.

How to join

Registration commences at 09:45 in the Clore Learning Centre above the Stable Yard Café. This is at the pedestrian entrance to the gardens from Hillsborough village – 1 The Square, Hillsborough, Co. Down BT26 6AG.

Complimentary coffee and tea will be served on arrival, but please note that in general, food and drink (other than bottled water) may not be consumed in the classroom.

Book below and find more information on pricing, parking and more.