The Embroiderers’ Guild (www.embroiderersguild.com) brings together everyone (from beginner upwards) with an interest in embroidery through exhibitions, competitions, courses, books and magazines. At branch level, members can exchange ideas and knowledge by taking part in various activities and meeting like-minded people. At Kingston we have about 70 members - some embroider purely for enjoyment and relaxation; others include teachers, students, authors and professional embroiderers. “All are welcome” is our motto!

We meet ten times a year on the fourth Friday of the month (7.30 - 9.30pm, Surbiton Library Hall, Ewell Road, Surbiton). The evening usually includes an illustrated talk by an invited speaker on one of the many aspects of embroidery or associated arts and crafts. Members can also browse our library and borrow books, and buy goods from the sales table. Much socialising is done, free tea and coffee are available, and an enjoyable evening is guaranteed.

Some months we have a Saturday school, usually suitable for both beginners and more experienced embroiderers. We also arrange several outings a year, a New Year’s Party (at the end of January!), and a biennial exhibition of members’ work (this year’s had a Henry VIII theme to mark the 500th anniversary of his accession to the throne).

A new venture for us is Stitchin’ Time - a Tuesday afternoon group in Long Ditton for both novice stitchers wanting to learn, and the more experienced in search of inspiration and like-minded company. Come and learn different techniques - experienced members will be there to advise and encourage you - and discuss your work in a friendly atmosphere. Please see our Programme page for details.

We also run a well-established Young Embroiderers’ group for anyone aged seven or over, meeting monthly on Saturday afternoons (Surbiton Library hall).

The annual fee to join the Branch is £15.00 (from March, a half fee of £7.50) and each time you visit there is a door fee of £3.00 (for non-members, £4.50 for up to three visits). There is also an annual fee of £23 payable to the Head Office of the Embroiderers' Guild.

Please have a look at our other pages here for more information, and come along to see us (a visit to your first meeting is free). You will be assured of a warm welcome!