Since 1767, Hand & Lock has been at the forefront of fine embroidery in London. Today, the Hand & Lock School offers you the opportunity to learn traditional and contemporary techniques from expert tutors, online and in person.
Whether you're a complete beginner or a professional looking to refine your skills, our courses are designed to nurture your creativity and help you produce embroidery to the highest standards.
What We Offer
Explore our range of classes, tailored for all skill levels:
- Live Online Courses – Join from anywhere in the world. Learn in real time from professional embroiderers and rewatch classes with lifetime access to recordings.
- In-Person Courses – Study in our central London studio with small class sizes and hands-on guidance from our expert tutors.
- Diploma Programme – A deeper journey into embroidery, with structured progression and mentorship.
- Taster Sessions & Private Tuition – Ideal for one-off experiences, skill refreshers or bespoke learning.
With students in over 50 countries, the Hand & Lock School brings together a diverse, international community of embroidery enthusiasts. Our online platform makes it easy to connect with fellow stitchers, get tutor feedback and share your work.
What Technique or Course Should I Try First?
If you're new to embroidery or just discovering Hand & Lock, our taster and short courses are the perfect way to get started.
These approachable sessions are designed to introduce you to the core techniques within a specific area of embroidery - giving you a feel for the materials, methods and style without committing to a longer course. Whether it's a traditional technique like goldwork or a more contemporary form of embellishment, each session offers a relaxed, achievable entry point for beginners.
We believe embroidery should feel exciting, not intimidating. That’s why we’ve also created a free Student Guide to Learning with Hand & Lock - a downloadable resource that walks you through our full range of classes and helps you choose the path that’s right for you. From tasters and multi-week workshops to advanced programmes like the Hand & Lock Diploma, this guide sets out everything clearly and simply.
You'll also learn how our global student community connects and supports each other through WhatsApp groups and collaborative projects - helping you feel informed, inspired and welcomed from the start.
Download the Student Guide to Learning with Hand & Lock
Please note: This is a digital download only. Just place an order online - you won’t be charged - and make sure to download the PDF promptly, as the link will expire.
How to Make the Most Out of Your Hand & Lock Course
We want every student to get the most out of their time with us — whether you’re joining online or in person, for a short taster or a longer course. Here are a few simple ways to get the best possible experience from your class:
Read your booking confirmation carefully
Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a confirmation email with an attached document. This includes useful information about what to expect, what to bring and how to prepare. We’ve put it together to make the process as smooth as possible, so make sure to download and read it before your course begins.
Set up your space
If you're learning online, try to create a calm workspace with good lighting, room to work and everything you need close to hand. Give yourself time to settle in so you can focus on learning.
Ask questions
Our tutors are here to help — if something isn’t clear, please ask. Chances are, someone else in the group is wondering the same thing.
Take your time
It’s completely normal for embroidery to take a while to get the hang of. Don’t worry about perfection — focus on learning the technique and enjoying the process.
Watch your recordings
All our online courses are recorded and shared with you after the session, so you can rewatch the class at your own pace. Pause, rewind and practise in your own time — as often as you need.
Stay connected
As a student, you'll be invited to join our dedicated WhatsApp groups where you can ask questions, share your work and connect with others learning alongside you. It’s a warm, supportive community that continues long after your class ends.
About our Tutors
Our bespoke online classes are taught be expert hand embroiderers who have worked in the couture industry for brands such as Alexander McQueen, Chanel, Dior, Valentino, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, YSL, Givenchy, Dolce & Gabbana, Schiaparelli, Lanvin and Burberry to name a few. The classes will cover the basics, insider tips and practical application making sure students are fully equipped to go on and apply what they have learned to their own garments and develop their own unique styles. Our tutors are work embroiderers first and tutors second which means they are able to give you a unique insight into the magical world of couture hand embroidery. Click below to read more about our amazing tutors.
Travelling to Hand & Lock
You can find us at 86 Margaret Street, London W1W 8TE
Nearby tube stations within walking distance,
Goodge Street - 8 mins
Oxford Circus - 5 mins
Tottenham Court Road - 8 mins
Great Portland Street - 13 mins
We are also located near the following bus routes 7 - 12 - 22 - 55 - 73 - 88 - 94 - 98 - 139 - 159 - 390 - 453 - N3 - N7 - N8 - N15 - N18 - N22 - N25 - N55 - N73 - N98 - N109 - N113 - N136 - N137 - N207
Food & Drink
You won’t struggle to find a good meal around here but if you’d like a little help we have put together a list of a few of our favourites here.
Quick Bites
The Great Thai Grab & Go - 53 Great Portland St, London W1W 7LG
Greyhound Cafe London - 37 Berners St, London W1T 3LZ
Tenmaru - 50 Margaret St, London W1W 8SF
Söderberg Soho - 36 Berwick St, London W1F 8RR
Fatt Punditt - 77 Berwick St, London W1F 8TH
Coffee Break
Blank Street Coffee - 22 Noel St, London W1F 8GS
Kaffeine - 15 Eastcastle St, London W1T 3AY
Omotesando Koffee - 8 Newman St, London W1T 1FB
Kiss the Hippo Coffee Fitzrovia - 51 Margaret St, London W1W 8SG
Kafi - 175 Oxford Street Floor 1, Lush, Oxford St, London W1D 2JH
After Class Meal
Akoko - 21 Berners St, London W1T 3LP
Mowgli Street Food - 5 Charlotte St., London W1T 1RE
Al Dente - 51 Goodge St, London W1T 1TG
Mortimer House - 37-41 Mortimer St, London W1T 3JH
Yalla Yalla - 12 Winsley St, London W1W 8HQ
Places to Stay
If you plan on travelling to London for your class and are needing somewhere to stay here are a few places around ½ a mile from Hand & Lock you may wish to look at.
Astor Court Hotel - 20 Hallam Street, Westminster Borough, London, W1W 6JQ
Holiday Inn London - Regent's Park - Carburton Street, Westminster Borough, London, W1W 5EE
The Z Hotel Tottenham Court Road - 52 Poland Street, Westminster Borough, London, W1F 7NH
Staunton Hotel - 13-15 Gower St, London WC1E 6HE
Mimi’s Hotel Soho - 56-57 Frith Street, Westminster Borough, London, W1D 3JG
Radisson Blu Edwardian Berkshire Hotel - 350 Oxford Street, Westminster Borough, London, W1C 1BY
FAQs
Any Questions?
Please make sure to read the product description for your specific course carefully and if you have any further questions then check out out FAQ page
We hope you enjoy your Hand & Lock Course
