National Needlework Archive

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The National Needlework Archive, offer courses, workshops and exhibitions in sewing, haberdashery, needlecraft, textiles, embroidery, cross stitch, quilting and textile art. Our shop carries an extensive range of all needlework and sewing products including fabric, threads, wool, zips and patterns.
We have an archive of historic textiles and patterns and are home to The Country Wife mural.

National Needlework Archive

The NNA maintains a documentary and photographic record of textiles located in the community throughout the United Kingdom. The archive is used for research, and helps raise the profile and esteem of textiles housed in public, or semi-public places, and those owned by community groups or associations. The NNA is highlighting the historical, sociological and design value of this vast resource of textile art.

In addition, the NNA keeps a library of textile related books, magazines, instruction leaflets, dress and knitting patterns, and items relating to other textile related crafts. Our study collection includes textile articles, machines and tools, haberdashery and laundry items. We also keep a dedicated collection of WI textiles. We keep books and articles from any decade.

The NNA promotes contemporary textile art, education, and exhibition; catalogues collections in corporate and private hands, records the work of individual and professional textile artists; assists with textile art re-housing should this become necessary, and records the stories of teachers and textile workers for posterity.

Please use the menu to the left for more information about our projects and news of events.