Hand & Lock Avis 

Learned so much on the three day Couture Costume Embroidery course - Lucy and Freya were so generous with their knowledge and time, and it gave me confidence to pursue my own projects and be more creative. Would definitely recommend to all skill levels!

Eve, Lucy and Freya are all fantastic.
I have done 3 classes with them I enjoyed them so much I have now enrolled on the diploma course which has 5 modules which include goldwork, exploration of embroidery for jewellery and wearable arts I recommend any of hand and lock courses they are great.

I am on my 3rd online class with Hand and Lock and I don’t see myself stopping anytime soon. H&L offers excellent opportunities for students at all levels to learn new skills in a variety of techniques. Lucy and Freya are amazing tutors. They offer excellent feedback and support. In addition, their products are simply the best. The 1767 embroidery cases are a must have. I would highly recommend Hand and Lock.

I have done various embroidery courses and Hand & Lock is now my absolute go-to. Fabulous, positive, supportive tutoring from Lucy and Freya and very generous access to beautiful materials.

Seriously if you are considering doing this for a creative experience with loads of hands-on demonstration and the space to get on with things in your own time if you prefer then I couldn’t recommend it more.

Extremely well organised embroidery classes. The team at Hand and Lock are experts in embroidery and are great at conveying their knowledge to students with a range of experience.

I have done 5 courses with Hand & Lock now both in person, online and one at the Natural History Museum! All great and the tutors are excellent. Kits always have more than you need to complete. Really recommend

I’ve taken a few of Hand & Lock courses and been to the studio for a tour. I really can’t recommend their school and shop enough - knowledgeable staff and tutors, accompanying kits for classes are generous and exquisitely presented and the tutors’ knowledge is second to none. I’m doing another Embroidery school’s diploma at the moment and I will be signing up when I’m finished to do a second diploma at Hand & Lock - their experimental teaching style is exemplary and their generosity of sharing their knowledge and experiences is their strength. In a modern world - they are flying the flag for age old embroidery and embellishment techniques but bringing them squarely into the 21st century. What are you waiting for? Sign up today and begin your creative journey today - you won’t regret it!

I took a goldwork class with Lucy she was the best teacher. Instruction were so clear and she was so helpful, knowledgeable and entertaining. Loved the three day virtual class. Learned some new techniques too!

The embroidery case from Hand and Lock is first class - really beautiful quality - just perfect. I am on the new Hand and Lock Diploma course - it is amazing! Learning new knowledge and so many new skills, as well as meeting incredible people from all over the world. Lucy and Freya are wonderful. The whole experience is remarkable - thank you. I would highly recommend any embroidery class….and particularly the new Diploma! Brilliant ☺️

I have ordered products from Hand & Lock which have proven to be very good quality.
I am currently undertaking one of their diploma units which is being taught to a very high standard. I am really enjoying the experience. Thank you Hand & Lock.

I’m currently taking my second online course with Hand & Lock. Lucy and Freya have a similar relaxed teaching style, which allows enough time for clear demonstration and explanation of particular techniques alongside asking questions and seeking advice. The online format with use of a WhatsApp group to share progress pictures works really well and I’ve never felt like the pace hasn’t been right. If you’re debating whether or not to take the plunge, go for it. The online courses make what can seem like quite a daunting undertaking feel a lot more achievable.

Booked on the Ceremonial Goldwork Workshop and what a wonderful experience. It was weekly over Zoom and Lucy made everyone feel part of the course. It was very well organised. The kit that came prior to the workshop was very well put together. Already booked another course

I’m currently on the diploma course and I’m absolutely loving it. Hand and Lock are a fantastic company who have some of the best tutors I’ve come across. Lucy, Freya and guest tutor Charlotte are all amazing. Would highly recommend the courses. Tina

I am utterly disappointed and frustrated with this so-called luxury embroidery brand that markets itself as being associated with the British Royal Family. They sell embroidery cases and sets at exorbitant prices, claiming that these are luxurious and of exceptional quality. However, after researching the origins of the products, I discovered that they are cheaply made in China using questionable materials. The vegan leather is nothing more than plastic, and the fasteners are some of the lowest-quality ones you can find, easily sourced from AliExpress.

To make matters worse, the embroidery tools are generic and lack any branding, which raises questions about their authenticity. When I requested clear answers about the traceability of the materials and the sourcing of their products, I was dismissed with a patronizing "sorry and return it" response.

This is a prime example of misleading marketing, and I highly advise against supporting this brand. The products are not luxury by any standard, and the customer service is appalling. Do not waste your money on overpriced, subpar goods. I will be taking this matter to the proper authorities.

I really enjoyed the class with Freya, well and easy explained. I highly recommend it.

Hand & Lock offers very nice embroidery courses. I have very little experience but I had a great time. I learned even complex embroidery techniques effortlessly. I had two excellent teachers, Freya and Lucy! I think I will certainly take other courses with them.

I recently undertook their Entomology Goldwork 4 week course taught by Freya and absolutely loved it. It has really helped increase my skills and knowledge which I can now use in my textiles masters at the Royal college of art as well. Freya was the perfect teacher, friendly, thoughtful and very skilled, w definitely keep an eye out for future courses!

AVOID - We gave them my partners jacket for embroidery on the cuffs in September, this was for our wedding in December. After approving the first design, which took weeks due to their slow communication, they then inform us after looking at the jacket they can’t do it. So, they come up with another design, which we approve, now a week before the wedding they have decided they cannot do it at all. Completely unprofessional and let us down for our wedding.

UPDATE AFTER THEIR COMMENTS:
The design was simple and was agreed that they could do it within three weeks. So giving them a jacket in September allowed plenty of time. They also looked at the jacket in September. Just lies upon lies.

Excellent service. Very quick

1) Couldn't register. Made several attempts, every time after entering my info got different screens and promises of a registration confirmation email which never came. Thus I spent two days. When I eventually gave up, my registration somehow got through.
I tried to register both from mobile and PC versions of the website. Same result.
2)All I wanted is to buy a ticket to the Hand and Lock the Prize exhibition. Why did I have to enter a lot of personal information including billing/shipping address for an electronic ticket??! This is way too intrusive.