San Francisco School of Needlework and Design

History

The San Francisco School of Needlework and Design was founded in 2015 by passionate embroiderers, Lucy Barter and Ellice Sperber. Ms. Barter was trained as an apprentice at the Royal School of Needlework in England, and ran their courses in the United States for eight years. Ms. Sperber earned her Diploma at the Royal School of Needlework. The two met during the US based courses and began envisioning a school of needlework that was not only based in the United States, but would bring a fresh and modern creativity to the art form. Our goal is to inspire the next generation of hand embroidery artisans, building on traditional knowledge with updated skillsets, expanded technical abilities and a fluent understanding of the vast methods.

Specialties

San Francisco School of Needlework and Design (SFSNAD) specializes in teaching the art of hand embroidery. Our mission is to promote and share the knowledge and history of hand embroidery and needlework to ensure its future as a valued art form. We offer learning pathways for students at all levels - from beginners to professionals. We have a small shop that sells embroidery supplies and a library filled with over 2,000 books, subjects ranging from embroidery to fashion to needlework history. Our library is open for the public to browse during our regular business hours. Free Stitch-ins every Wednesday from 11am-4pm. These free events give you the opportunity to stitch in an inspiring environment with fellow enthusiasts. Bring along your projects, embroidery, knitting or even darning, and enjoy the company of others and the library at your leisure. Visit our website to see current class offerings.