We’re pleased to announce that we are once again taking applications for our Creative Bursary Scheme. Students can now apply for a full bursary to study either a Skill Stage 2 (beginner level) or a Skill Stage 3 (intermediate level) course for FREE, and begin studying with us this November.
Please take a look at the courses available and the following information for details of how to apply.
About Our Creative Bursary Scheme
Our mission at the School of Stitched Textiles is to teach and promote creativity allowing individuals to reach their full creative potential. However, we know that our courses may not always be financially accessible to everyone. We therefore, periodically allow potential students to apply for a bursary for the course of their choice. Successful applicants will be awarded a bursary to study an accredited course for FREE. Course tuition will be covered by the School of Stitched Textiles.
Why not apply for a Bursary with the School of Stitched Textiles?
As the UK’s leading centre for accredited textiles distance learning courses, we’re one of the few centres offering City and Guild’s accredited courses. We strongly believe in the benefits of creative crafting and therefore aim to encourage everyone with an interest in these areas. We also understand the value of our courses and the launch pad they create for individuals wishing to progress their chosen career at the same time as helping to develop lifelong skills and creativity.
Our courses have become sought after both within the UK and also internationally and are recognised for their excellence in teaching and learning. This is an incredible opportunity for anyone wishing to learn and develop their skills, knowledge and creativity.
About the Courses
Please click on the course that you are interested in for more information about this course. You can also download a course brochure directly from the course pages.
- Hand Knitting Skill Stage 2 | Hand Knitting Skill Stage 3
- Crochet Skill Stage 2 | Crochet Skill Stage 3
- Felting Skill Stage 2 | Felting Skill Stage 3
- Hand Embroidery Skill Stage 2 | Hand Embroidery Still Stage 3
- Machine Embroidery Skill Stage 2 | Machine Embroidery Skill Stage 3
- Textiles Skill Stage 2 | Textiles Skill Stage 3
- Patchwork & Quilting Skill Stage 2 | Patchwork & Quilting Skill Stage 3
- Stumpwork
We’re offering four creative bursaries: two will be awarded to those wishing to study a Skill Stage 2 Course and two at Skill Stage 3. Our skill stage 2 courses are aimed at absolute beginners so you do not need a lot of technical or design experience. Skill Stage 3 courses are aimed at those with more experience who wish to really develop their existing knowledge and skills. If you need further help deciding which level to apply for, please refer to our guide where you’ll find more information.
As comprehensive programmes, each of our courses include a number of different modules which focus on developing your skills in specific techniques. Depending on the level you wish to study the courses take 1 – 2 years to complete. All courses are taught via distance learning allowing students to work through the course materials and follow the tutorial videos when it is convenient for them.
How to apply for our creative bursaries
The aim of the bursary application process is to get to know more about you. We’d therefore like to take a look at a few recent examples of your work that you feel reflect you as an individual, as well as your passion and commitment to your craft.
Because our Skill Stage 2 and 3 courses are aimed at beginners and students with intermediate experience, you do not need to demonstrate a high level of technical ability. Instead we’d like to see your own personality and enthusiasm show through in your work. We’d like you to submit 2 pictures of your own work (this must be no larger than 1MB each). Because our bursaries are aimed at those who may not otherwise be able to afford our courses, we will ask about your financial/employment situation. You will also be asked why you think you should selected and what you hope to achieve from the course.
Remember that your work should reflect the course that you’re interested in so, as an example, please supply us with an example of your knitted work if you’re interested in our knitting course.
You can either create a new piece, which can be anything of your choice. Or you can simply provide a picture of something that you have made that relates to the course that you’re interested in studying. Apply now.

How work will be selected
Our tutors will short list submissions at the beginning of October 2018. The pieces which have been short listed will then be entered into a poll on our Facebook page. Our followers will then be given the chance to vote for their favourite piece.
The pieces that receive the most votes will win the bursaries and the winner will be informed on 17th October 2018.
Application schedule
6th October 2018 (Midnight): Deadline for submissions
10th : Shortlisters selection (by tutors at the School of Stitched Textiles)
11-15th October: Poll by School of Stitched Textiles followers
17th October: Winners announced
What to submit
You can submit anything that you have personally made. We do not expect perfection! This is simply to get an idea of the things you are capable of making or have tried to make and should reflect the subject that you are applying for. You may submit work that you have made previously or you may decide to make something specifically for this application. Just remember that we are looking for a piece that demonstrates your style, your personality or your interest. So, if you’ve created something that you’re particularly proud of then why not share it with us. It could be your ticket to a place on our highly sought after courses.
You can also find some great inspiration on our Flickr and Pinterest boards. These will give you an idea of the type of work that you can expect to produce on each of our courses.
We look forward to seeing your wonderful creations and good luck. If you have any questions please feel free to leave a comment and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can. Apply here.
Terms and Conditions
We cannot accept any submissions made after the 6th October at 2018.
By submitting work to the School of Stitched Textiles you are providing consent for the images to be used across our social media networks and across other marketing communications, such as emails and newsletters and promotional materials. You are also consenting for your work to be entered into a vote that will be issued to the School of Stitched Textiles readers.
The successful students will be informed by the 16th October and announced to the other entrants and followers on the 17th October 2018. The bursary placement is for our November 2018 course commencement date. Entrants should ensure that they are available for this start date as we cannot carry the placement over. Courses are non-refundable and cannot be issued to a third party. The bursary is not exchangeable for cash.
You will be responsible for supplying your own tools and materials, as the bursary covers only the course fees, not other outgoings. You will also need access to a computer, printer and camera, so please ensure these things are available to you before applying.
16 Comments
OMG – I would love to have the chance to be considered for this amazing opportunity. I am off to get my application together.
Good Luck Anne. x
Are these courses only available for UK residents?
H Carol. Thanks for your question and your interest in our bursary. We accept applications from international students too. If you have any more questions, just let us know.
Thanks,
Sarah
Hi I am trying to apply however it will not accept my images. I have checked and they are jpeg files and both under 1mb can you advise please.
Many thanks
Hi Sally-Ann, sorry to hear that you are having trouble. We are looking into this for you and will email you directly with further information.
Many thanks
Sarah
I would love to get one of these bursaries. I will apply and hope. Very excited about finding School of Stitched Textiles website. It feels like coming home. Anne
Good luck with your application Anne
Hi
Are there any upper age limits for applications please?
Very excited to have my application ready but am not able to upload my pictures. They are jpeg and less than 1MB but I get the error message ‘you are not allowed to upload files of this type’. Please can you advise. Thank you x.
Hi Anne. Sorry to hear you’re having problems. Please could you email your images to info@sofst.org and we’ll take a look at the technical issues. Many thanks
Is it ok to submit something we have made from a printed pattern? Thanks
HI Sandra. Yes that’s absolutely fine. Good luck
Hello, I’m having the same problems as other applicants of not being able to upload my two photos. Can you please advise? Many thanks
Hi Sandrine, sorry to hear you are having trouble. Please email the images to us at info@soft.org or ensure that you are uploading .jpg or .png files.
Hello
Is it possible to send more than one photo per example ? The reason I ask is one of my submissions is a 3 part set ( not 2D)
Many thanks
Andrea