Hi, welcome to my website. I am a contemporary embroidery artist, currently based in Todmorden, West Yorkshire, England.

I am a Contemporary Embroidery Artist currently based in Todmorden, West Yorkshire, UK. I live with my husband Graphic Designer Andrew and our two children, plus two cats, two chickens and our Border Collie pup Benji. I have been embroidering for over 20 years and gained a BA (hons) degree in embroidery in 2005 from Manchester Metropolitan University and in 2007 I gained a PGCE in further, higher and adult education from Bolton University. Working in my home studio I produce a range of hand embroidered artwork for sale or by commission.

My work has been published in '1000 Artisan Textiles' by Quarry Books and has also been featured in Cross Stitcher Magazine ‘My Life in Stitches’. I take my inspiration from my surroundings, everyday objects and places I visit with my family. Since completing my degree I have mostly worked to commission and have sold my embroidered artwork both overseas and in the UK.

In 2009 I founded The Hand Embroidery Network an online community for embroidery artists. The HEN is a great resource for anyone interested in hand embroidery. There are now over 5,000 members worldwide and growing every day!

I am also the author of The Needlecraft Stitch Directory which was published in October 2012. Read more below.

The Needlecraft Stitch Directory - A visual reference of over 50 Needlecraft Styles and the Stitches that go with them.

I was commissioned by Rotovision SA, to write the Needlecraft Stitch Directory in June 2011. The book was completed in early 2012 and was published in October 2012 by Jacqui Small LLP. It is a great book for anyone interested in Needlecrafts and as well as being a how-to guide to hand embroidery stitches and an introduction to an array of needlecraft techniques, it also introduces the reader to some fabulous artists and design makers who contributed their lovely work. The book has also been published in America and Australia under the name of The Needlecraft Style Directory.

The Needlecraft Stitch Directory is a comprehensive and accessible guide to stitch craft, for crafters of all levels. The book reveals exactly what each type of needlecraft involves, the basic stitches needed and the common characteristics of each stitch, allowing the reader to select the best technique for their designs. Divided into two main sections, the first part of the book explores an extensive variety of needlecraft styles, covering everything from candlewicking to crewel, sashiko quilting to smocking and needlepoint to needle felting.

Publisher: Jacqui Small LLP.
Author: Sarah Whittle
ISBN-10: 1906417806

Buy my book on Amazon

The number one online community for contemporary hand embroidery artists.

I started the network in February 2009 and it has to my amazement gone from strength to strength. I am keen to promote hand embroidery around the world and I am passionate about creating exhibition and opportunities for embroidery artists. The HEN is a platform for embroiderers across the world to come together to share techniques, ideas and most of all to network and meet like minded people.

As a member of the Hand Embroidery Network you can:

• Upload and share photographs of your embroidery
• Join in with discussions with other members
• Setup your own profile page
• Access special interest groups
• Promote your events

Visit the Hand Embroidery Network