The 50 essential stitches you need to know, curated by the most prestigious embroidery institution in the world: The Royal School of Needlework (RSN). Perfect for quick reference, everyday practice and on-the-go stitching, this innovative card deck distils centuries of tradition into a set of 50 practical and contemporary cards. Whether you’re a seasoned embroiderer seeking fresh ideas or a beginner eager to expand your repertoire, this versatile card deck is the perfect gift to guide and inspire you. The sturdy box contains: 50 colourful cards, each of which showcases an individual embroidery stitch. The 50 stitches have been carefully selected to provide a broad and varied collection. On the front of each 85 x 140mm (3¼ x 5½in) card is a colour photograph of the finished stitch, accompanied by any alternative names and its historical usage. When you’re ready to start stitching, simply flip the card over to reveal clear illustrations and step-by-step written instructions. a 16-page booklet packed with the essential embroidery know-how you need to get started, from beginner tips to expert techniques, along with a brief historical overview of the RSN’s rich history.  Embroidery is a living art. The aim of the RSN Stitch Bank is to ensure that hand embroidery is not just kept alive, but flourishes into the future, enabling embroiderers to create contemporary works informed and supported by centuries of experience. — The deck’s contents has been expertly curated by the Royal School of Needlework, the world’s pre-eminent embroidery experts, and supports the RSN’s groundbreaking online Stitch Bank. The RSN Stitch Bank launched in September 2021 by revealing the first 150 stitches as the official opening of the RSN’s 150th anniversary celebrations. More stitches are added regularly and the RSN work with partners around the world to include stitches from different traditions. The Stitch Bank currently includes more than 500 stitches, divided across 28 disciplines, from crewel embroidery to whitework.