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Sign up to the Prize Newsletter for live updates, key dates and guidance on this year’s brief.
Registration details:
Registration closes 30th March 2026
Embroidery Talks: Visual Storytelling from Heart to Hand
The greatest storytellers have always stirred our emotions, offered new perspectives and transported us to other worlds. Yet powerful stories aren’t only told through words or song. The enduring beauty of Swan Lake or the Bayeux Tapestry reminds us that rich narratives can thrive in the spaces between words.
This year’s brief invites you to explore storytelling through embroidery, drawing on fairy tales, folklore, mythology or stories born from your own imagination. Embroidery has long carried narratives across generations; now it’s your turn to stitch a story for today.
Consider how thread can retell, reinvent or reinterpret a tale for a modern audience. Reimagine classic myths, blend truth and fiction, or use stitch and texture to express emotion and transformation.
Whether inspired by an ancient legend, a family memory, or a dream of your own, let your embroidery become a story told without words a world woven from needle and thread.
Your submission might:
Whether drawn from an ancient legend, a family tale, or your own invention, your embroidery should speak a language beyond words, a visual story told through needle and thread.
“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
“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
“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
"There isn't a single piece here that doesn't make me feel something." Erica Kirsop, Chairman’s Choice Award & 3rd Place Open Textile Art Winner 2025
“"Wow" - I heard this word from at least one person every few minutes throughout the night. It was always someone new and then they would point out their favorite detail of whichever piece they were in front of to everyone nearby. It felt really special to know that so many people were there just being awed by the art and the work that went into it.” - Erica Kirsop, Chairman’s Choice Award & 3rd Place Open Textile Art Winner 2025
“Entering this prestigious competition and making it into the finals was a wonderful experience. It was also amazing to have my piece exhibited alongside so many talented artists. So grateful for the opportunity from Hand & Lock.” - Anne Waller, 3rd Place Open 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
“Once you become a finalist of the Hand & Lock Prize you will automatically become part of the Hand & Lock family, the whole experience is like a magic box, full of wonderful surprises.” - Illaria Harris, 1st Place Open Fashion Winner 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
"Thanks to the Hand & Lock team – as always they did great by bringing such a variety of works. I'm very grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Prize 2025. In particular, I think that Madeleine did an amazing job – she was very responsive, quick to help throughout the submission process and in preparation for the exhibition." – Ruta Malik
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Get 10% off your first order when you subscribe to our newsletter. Get exclusive access, notifications and updates on new products, classes and events.
Sign up to the Prize Newsletter for live updates, key dates and guidance on this year’s brief.
Registration details:
Registration closes 30th March 2026
Embroidery Talks: Visual Storytelling from Heart to Hand
The greatest storytellers have always stirred our emotions, offered new perspectives and transported us to other worlds. Yet powerful stories aren’t only told through words or song. The enduring beauty of Swan Lake or the Bayeux Tapestry reminds us that rich narratives can thrive in the spaces between words.
This year’s brief invites you to explore storytelling through embroidery, drawing on fairy tales, folklore, mythology or stories born from your own imagination. Embroidery has long carried narratives across generations; now it’s your turn to stitch a story for today.
Consider how thread can retell, reinvent or reinterpret a tale for a modern audience. Reimagine classic myths, blend truth and fiction, or use stitch and texture to express emotion and transformation.
Whether inspired by an ancient legend, a family memory, or a dream of your own, let your embroidery become a story told without words a world woven from needle and thread.
Your submission might:
Whether drawn from an ancient legend, a family tale, or your own invention, your embroidery should speak a language beyond words, a visual story told through needle and thread.
“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
“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
“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
"There isn't a single piece here that doesn't make me feel something." Erica Kirsop, Chairman’s Choice Award & 3rd Place Open Textile Art Winner 2025
“"Wow" - I heard this word from at least one person every few minutes throughout the night. It was always someone new and then they would point out their favorite detail of whichever piece they were in front of to everyone nearby. It felt really special to know that so many people were there just being awed by the art and the work that went into it.” - Erica Kirsop, Chairman’s Choice Award & 3rd Place Open Textile Art Winner 2025
“Entering this prestigious competition and making it into the finals was a wonderful experience. It was also amazing to have my piece exhibited alongside so many talented artists. So grateful for the opportunity from Hand & Lock.” - Anne Waller, 3rd Place Open 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
“Once you become a finalist of the Hand & Lock Prize you will automatically become part of the Hand & Lock family, the whole experience is like a magic box, full of wonderful surprises.” - Illaria Harris, 1st Place Open Fashion Winner 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
"Thanks to the Hand & Lock team – as always they did great by bringing such a variety of works. I'm very grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Prize 2025. In particular, I think that Madeleine did an amazing job – she was very responsive, quick to help throughout the submission process and in preparation for the exhibition." – Ruta Malik
