Moving the Needle Forward

The art of hand embroidery is enjoying an artistic and commercial renaissance throughout the world. Through classes taught by world-class stitchers and textile artists, The San Francisco School of Needlework & Design is bringing a fresh and modern creativity to this ancient art form.

What We Teach

We offer learning pathways for students at all levels – from beginners to professionals.

Introduction to Embroidery

Appliqué

Blackwork

Counted Thread & Canvas Embroidery

Combined Techniques

Crewel

Design and Color Theory

Experimental Techniques

Metalwork

Needlepainting

Stumpwork

Whitework

Artist credits:  Appliqué Bird: Barbara Filipek.  Purple & Gold Thistle:  Jessica Fanego.  Photography:  Anastasiia Sapon, Joseph Carillo 

Stitch Retreats

Come and spend a week stitching! Our Stitch Retreats focus on further developing and enhancing your skills and knowledge. These retreats are intended for students who have completed a formal embroidery course or program in the past. If you have studied embroidery in an in-depth course, then our retreats are a great place for you to dive deeper into a technique(s) of your choice.

Click here for more information and dates

SNAD’s Library

Did you know that SNAD has a library with over 2,400 books on embroidery and related subjects? Anyone is welcome to do onsite research in the library—including the antiquarian collection—for your projects and inspiration. You may come to SNAD and search the shelves or use our searchable database, or browse our online book list, which can be found here: SFSNAD Library Catalog

Find a Class

Register for classes

View our calendar

Please join our mailing list for updates! And consider taking one of our classes at Filoli.

Click here for a schedule of upcoming events