Sarah de Rousset-Hall is a hand embroidery artist and teacher at the Royal School of Needlework. She also runs her own embroidery business called Sarah Stitches. She came to embroidery as a second career, but has been embroidering as long as she can remember. Following on from a cancer diagnosis at 30, she returned to being a student a few years later to turn her hobby into a profession.
Sarah graduated from the RSN’s Future Tutor program in 2020 and has been working as a professional embroiderer ever since, teaching, developing kits, and working on art pieces and commissions.
In 2021 she became a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Broderers and a Freeman of the City of London.
In 2022 Sarah exhibited three art pieces at Broderers’ Exhibition: The Art of Embroidery at the Bankside Gallery in London, and she is currently working on pieces for their next exhibition in 2025.
In 2023, Sarah was honoured to be part of the Embroidery Studio team at the Royal School of Needlework who worked on a number of items for the Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla, including The Queen’s Robe of Estate, the Anointing Screen and the Stole Royal.
Sarah lives in West Sussex with her husband and two cats (who occasionally make featured appearances in her online classes).
Textile Talk with Sarah de Rousset-Hall
Listen to this latest episode now or access on your favourite podcast streaming platform.
Sarah de Rousset-Hall
Embroidery is a timeless craft, rich in history and artistry. For those captivated by the delicate and intricate world of needlework, Sarah de Rousset-Hall’s journey and expertise offer a wealth of inspiration. In a recent episode of the Textile Talk podcast, host Gail Cowley delves into Sarah’s career, her unique approach to embroidery, and the profound impact of her work. Here’s a glimpse into what listeners can learn from this engaging conversation and why you should tune in to the full episode.
A Journey from Corporate to Creative
Sarah de Rousset-Hall’s story is one of transformation and resilience. Before becoming a professional embroiderer, she worked in the corporate world, specifically in IT procurement for large international corporations. Her life took a dramatic turn when she was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 30. This pivotal moment led her to re-evaluate her life and rediscover her passion for embroidery—a hobby she had cherished since childhood.
Embroidery became a therapeutic outlet during her treatment, allowing her to focus on something creative and calming. As she recuperated, Sarah’s dedication to needlecraft grew stronger. Eventually, she decided to turn her passion into a profession. She enrolled in the Royal School of Needlework’s (RSN) Future Tutor program, a rigorous three-year course designed to equip students with the skills necessary to become professional embroiderers and teachers. Sarah’s transition from a corporate career to a creative one highlights the possibility of finding new beginnings in unexpected places.
The Rigorous Training at RSN
The Royal School of Needlework, based at the historic Hampton Court Palace, offers an immersive and intensive training program. Sarah’s experience at RSN was transformative. The first two years of her training involved mastering various traditional techniques such as Jacobean crewelwork, canvas work, silk shading, goldwork, whitework, stumpwork, and blackwork. The program was comprehensive, combining hands-on practice with art classes, business skills, and museum visits to study historical pieces.
The third year focused on practical studio work, where Sarah gained experience in a commercial environment. This included working on conservation and restoration projects, learning how to repair delicate textiles, and even participating in high-profile commissions.
Contributing to Royal Commissions
One of the highlights of Sarah’s career was her involvement in the embroidery studio team at RSN for the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in 2023. Sarah contributed to the anointing screen, the stole royal, and Queen Camilla’s robe of estate. This opportunity was not only a testament to her skill but also an incredible honor. The intricate and historical nature of these pieces required precision and dedication, and being part of such a significant event was a moment of immense pride for Sarah and her team.
Techniques and Practices for Aspiring Embroiderers
Throughout the podcast, Sarah shares valuable insights into the technical aspects of embroidery. She emphasizes the importance of muscle memory and practice in building speed and accuracy. Working with a slate frame, a traditional tool for stretching fabric tightly, allows for greater precision and tension compared to a standard hoop.
Sarah also discusses the physical demands of embroidery. Proper posture, good lighting, and ergonomic setup are crucial to avoid strain and injury. Techniques like working two-handed—using one hand above and one below the fabric—help in maintaining efficiency and reducing shoulder movement.
For those interested in the finer details, Sarah explains how to start and finish threads neatly from the front of the work. This method is essential for maintaining a clean and professional appearance, especially on pieces where the back is not easily accessible.
Listen to Textile Talk with Sarah de Rousset-Hall
Throughout the podcast, Sarah shares valuable insights into the technical aspects of embroidery. She emphasises the importance of muscle memory and practice in building speed and accuracy. Working with a slate frame, a traditional tool for stretching fabric tightly, allows for greater precision and tension compared to a standard hoop.
Sarah also discusses the physical demands of embroidery. Proper posture, good lighting, and ergonomic setup are crucial to avoid strain and injury. Techniques like working two-handed—using one hand above and one below the fabric—help in maintaining efficiency and reducing shoulder movement.
For those interested in the finer details, Sarah explains how to start and finish threads neatly from the front of the work. This method is essential for maintaining a clean and professional appearance, especially on pieces where the back is not easily accessible.
Listen now and follow Sarah de Rousset-Hall on Instragam.
