About The Prize

The Hand & Lock Prize for Embroidery, established in 2000, is a prestigious global competition showcasing exceptional embroidery talent. Fashion and textile art categories attract entries from designers, artists and creators from over 40 countries, all celebrating intricate craftsmanship.

Alastair Macleod The Prize Exhibition Speech

“My first highlight was the first Prize giving held at the Knitting and Stitching show in 2001 - we only had 5 entrants and little did we know, it was only the beginning… It has since grown to over 500 per year from at least 40 different countries”

Alastair Macleod, Chairman

The Prize Exhibition Judging - Cornelia Parker

Each year, the competition opens with online registration and a submission window, followed by a mentoring program where finalists refine their entries under guidance from industry professionals. The event culminates in a prize-giving featuring a live judging panel that selects winners from 24 finalists plus several Associate Awards.

The prize-giving has grown from a small studio gathering to a prominent industry exhibition. Past winners have launched successful businesses or joined top fashion houses such as Alexander McQueen, Richard Quinn and Chanel, cementing the competition's role in nurturing new talent.

Testimonials

'In my opinion there is no greater opportunity for emerging embroiderers than the Hand and Lock Prize. It encourages and supports heritage craft, fosters incredible connections within the industry and ultimately rewards creativity and skill. I would encourage anyone considering entering to just go for it!'

— Lucy May, Gold & Silver Wyre Drawers Runner Up & 2nd Place Student Textile Art Winner

'The Hand & Lock Prize challenges you to fully commit to a brief, while the mentorship gives you the confidence and support needed to take risks and push your practice forward'

— Lucy Newman, Finalist 2025

'The Hand & Lock Prize offered not only recognition, but also a rare sense of care and professionalism that allowed me to fully focus on and enjoy my work as an artist.'

— Chenyi Liu, The Worshipful Company of Gold and Silver Wyre Drawers Associate Award Winner 2025

'Taking part in the Hand & Lock Prize is something I will always look back on as a huge accomplishment, it was a moment of recognition, celebrating embroidery, dedication and craft. Being part of the Prize, alongside so many other artists, felt like the ultimate appreciation of all the hours and effort spent on my embroidery. It truly felt like being part of a legacy'

— Severina Seidl, 1st Place Student Textile Art Winner 2025

'I'd like to give heartfelt thanks to Hand and Lock London, the judges and the Prize for Embroidery team for coordinating the exhibition at Gallery Rosenfeld. It was an honour to be chosen as 1 of 24 finalists, to have the chance to exhibit my artwork internationally, then unexpectedly to receive first prize in my open textile art category.'

— Melinda Piesse, 1st Place Open Textile Art Winner 2025

About The Prize

“My first highlight was the first Prize giving held at the Knitting and Stitching show in 2001 - we only had 5 entrants and little did we know, it was only the beginning… It has since grown to over 500 per year from at least 40 different countries”

Prize Judges and Mentors

Past Winners

Get the Prize In Your Inbox

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About The Prize

“My first highlight was the first Prize giving held at the Knitting and Stitching show in 2001 - we only had 5 entrants and little did we know, it was only the beginning… It has since grown to over 500 per year from at least 40 different countries”

Prize Judges and Mentors

Past Winners

Get the Prize In Your Inbox

Support Us

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