National Academy of Needlearts

The National Academy of Needlearts (NAN) is a nationwide organization devoted to the advancement of embroidery as an art form. Established in 1985, NAN’s goal is to uphold the highest standards in the needlearts by providing excellence in education to all those interested in furthering their embroidery skills as teachers, judges, artists, designers, authors, or technically proficient embroiderers.

NAN’s Assembly for Embroiderers is an annual needlework seminar open to all stitchers—not just those aspiring to become teachers and judges. We offer a diverse and interesting array of classes each year, including canvaswork, surface embroidery, various counted thread techniques, color and design classes, art classes pertinent to the needlearts, and Japanese embroidery. Immediately preceding Assembly, workshops are held for those in certification programs or who wish to learn more about our programs. The Exemplary, our annual needlework showcase, is held in conjunction with the Assembly.