Trusted by European fashion houses, the British monarchy and the film industry, renowned embroidery house Hand & Lock have an enduring passion for education and instruction. Founded in 1767, they have over 250 years’ experience embellishing, embroidering and monogramming. Since the early 2000s, the Hand & Lock School for Embroidery and Creative Arts has sought to promote, cultivate and preserve the highest standards of creative embroidery. Whether you are exploring embroidery to progress your career or pursuing it as a personal passion, our expert teachers will help you achieve your learning goals.
Explore Our Units
Module 1001: Exploration of Metal Threads and Goldwork Embroidery
Goldwork is the art of embroidery using metal threads. It is particularly prized for the way light plays on it. The term 'goldwork' is used even when the threads are imitation gold, silver, or copper, or coloured allowing for an array of textures and colours to push the boundaries of your design and express your vision.
Module 1002: Exploration of Embroidery for Haute Couture Fashion
Haute couture embroidery craftsmanship and artistic expression in the realm of fashion explore the finest and most technically advanced levels of hand stitching. This artform elevates garments, adding crystal work and beading using a Tambour Hook transforming fabrics into works of art.
Module 1003: Exploration of Embroidery for Jewellery & Wearable Art
Hand Embroidery for Jewellery and Wearable Art epitomises the pinnacle of craftsmanship and artistic expression in the realm of fashion. This meticulous art form involves the creation of extraordinary, one-of-a-kind embellishments, transforming textiles into exquisite pieces of wearable art.
Module 1004: Exploration of 3D Contemporary Hand Beading
Explore the world of 3D Contemporary Hand Beading, intricate stitch techniques bring needlework to life, creating lifelike designs. Delve into the contemporary combination of padding, layering, and layered beading, transforming a flat surface into a textured, sculptural piece.
Module 1005: Exploration of Embroidery & Embellishment for Interiors
Embroidery and embellishment, featuring techniques including Flocking, Foiling, and Silk Painting, transcend fabric to transform interiors into realms of unparalleled luxury. This intricate artistry adds a tactile and visual dimension, elevating a simple piece of fabric into a sumptuous masterpiece.
Diploma Brochure
Download our brochure to learn more about our brand new Hand & Lock Diploma programme
About the Hand & Lock Diploma
The units can be completed in any order. You will need to complete at least 3 units for a Standard Diploma in Contemporary Hand Embroidery and 5 units for a Complete Diploma in Contemporary Hand Embroidery.
Purchase 3 units for a 15% discount or 5 units for a 20% discount. Offer valid only when all units are bought together, cannot be retroactively applied.
The Hand & Lock Diploma in Contemporary Hand Embroidery offers a dynamic and comprehensive learning experience through a series of five cutting-edge, online courses. These courses are meticulously designed by our expert tutors to introduce students to the intricate world of industry-standard couture embroidery, blending tradition with modern techniques.
This prestigious Diploma is structured around five key areas that are essential to mastering Contemporary Hand Embroidery Practice. The program is divided into five distinct units: Contemporary Goldwork, Haute Couture Fashion, Jewellery & Wearable Art, 3D Contemporary Hand Beading and Embroidery & Embellishment for Interiors.
One of the unique aspects of this Diploma is its accessibility. While no formal qualifications or prior training are required to enroll, we do recommend that students complete at least one Hand & Lock course before signing up, to ensure a strong foundation in the basics of embroidery.
All Diploma units are delivered online, utilizing the latest technology to provide an unparalleled view of each tutorial. This approach allows for flexible, adaptable learning, no matter where in the world you are located. Whether you're a beginner eager to dive into the world of embroidery or an experienced artisan looking to refine your skills, the Hand & Lock Diploma is designed to meet you where you are and elevate your practice.
To explore the full details of the upcoming Diploma and discover how it can transform your embroidery skills, we invite you to download our comprehensive Diploma Brochure above.
Virtual Open Days
Join us for our Hand & Lock Diploma in Contemporary Embroidery Virtual Open Days.
Our Open Days offers a sneak peek into our curriculum, showcasing a blend of traditional and cutting edge contemporary techniques with modern designs.
Our Virtual Open Days are led by experienced instructors and you will have the opportunity to explore course materials and learn about the unique opportunities this Diploma offers. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, our open day will provide insights into the creative journey of the Hand & Lock Diploma in Contemporary Embroidery. Our online courses offer you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of hand embroidery from the comfort of your home!
We have also created a summary of the Hand & Lock Diploma with an in-depth look at our Contemporary Goldwork unit. To view this video please see more here.
To attend on of our Virtual Open Days and learn more about The Hand & Lock Diploma please fill in the form linked below.
Register Your Interest
Are you passionate about embroidery and eager to take your skills to the next level? If our diploma sounds like the perfect fit for you, we invite you to learn more about what the Hand & Lock Diploma in Contemporary Embroidery has to offer.
This comprehensive program is designed to equip you with both the traditional and modern techniques needed to excel in the ever-evolving world of embroidery.
To ensure you don’t miss out on any important details, we encourage you to sign up to our Diploma Newsletter using the form below.
By joining our community, you'll gain access to exclusive updates, be the first to know about our official launch dates, and receive invitations to participate in focus groups that shape the future of this prestigious diploma.
You'll also stay informed about special events, workshops, and unique opportunities to connect with industry professionals.
About Your Tutor
Lucy grew up in the idyllic countryside of the Peak District, where her passion for stitching began at an early age. She started by helping her mum make wedding dresses when she was just three years old. Over the years, her talent and dedication have led her to work on pieces for prestigious clients and companies such as Alexander McQueen, Burberry, and Catherine Walker, among others. A passionate advocate and ambassador for hand embroidery, Lucy is classically trained, holding a first-class honours degree in the craft. In 2022, she joined Hand & Lock as the Head of Education.
Since joining Hand & Lock, Lucy has transformed the school into an internationally recognized centre for contemporary embroidery, fostering a growing community of students. As the Head of Education, her role involves creating a dynamic educational programme tailored to everyone, from beginners to experts. Her daily work includes research, design, implementation, and teaching. Well-organised, flexible, and highly trained in embroidery techniques, Lucy enjoys ensuring that the designs students work on challenge their abilities and reflect couture standards.
If you have any questions...
We have created a list of frequently asked diploma questions to help you make the right decision.
If we haven't answered your question here or you want to speak to someone about the diploma please see the contact details at the end of the FAQ list and let us know how we can help.