Frequently asked questions

Group sizes vary by destination and by tour. Some journeys are intimate, while others, such as retreats, are larger and have more of a gathering feel. The group size for each tour is shown on its tour page, so you know what to expect before you book.

Whatever the size of the group, classes are capped so your tutor can teach well. That means there’s time to look at your work, answer your questions and help each guest, whether you’re new to a technique or know it well.

Every tour is different, but days tend to fall into two kinds: stitching days and sightseeing days.

Stitching days
We start with a relaxed breakfast, then settle into stitching in the morning. Classes usually run from about 9:30am to 4:30pm, with a lunch break and time to rest your eyes and hands. Your tutor works at a comfortable pace, so there’s no need to rush.

Sightseeing days
These usually start between 8am and 9am. The itinerary varies by destination, and might include museum visits, private viewings, studio visits, local sights or travel to the next location. Each tour page shows the day-by-day plan.

Evenings
We host some group dinners during the tour, which are a lovely chance to relax and swap stories. Your itinerary shows which evenings they are. On other evenings, you’re free to explore, dine on your own or with new friends, or have an early night.

Seats are not reserved, and we ask guests to rotate each day so everyone gets a turn at the front. If you have a particular need, such as motion sickness, tell your tour leader and we’ll do our best to find you a suitable seat.

Every tour has a pacing level, so you can see how much we move around before you book. It tells you how often you’ll change hotels and how much time you’ll spend travelling between places.

• Stationary: You unpack once. These tours stay in one place, such as a retreat, a cruise or a residential tour.
• Relaxed: A relaxed pace, usually two to four nights in each location, with up to three hours of driving. There are few early starts.
• Active: A more energetic pace that covers more ground. Usually one to three nights in each location, and some days may include four or more hours of driving, though not every day.

The pacing level is shown on each tour page. If you’re not sure which suits you, get in touch and we’ll help you choose.

Every tour has a mobility rating, so you can see how much walking, standing and climbing to expect before you book. It describes the physical side of the tour, not how experienced a stitcher you need to be.

• Gentle: Mostly seated activities with few stairs. You may need to board a coach.
• Moderate: Occasional stairs, and standing or walking for up to two hours at a time, broken into shorter stretches with chances to rest. You need to be able to board a coach unassisted.
• Substantial: For guests comfortable on their feet for longer stretches of two hours or more. Expect stairs, uneven ground such as cobblestones, and periods of continuous movement. Good physical mobility is required.

The mobility rating is shown on each tour page. If you’re not sure which suits you, get in touch and we’ll help you choose.

Every tour has a familiarity rating, so you can see how new the destination will feel before you book. Every tour has a dedicated host and support throughout the scheduled program, so you’re looked after at every step. The rating describes how different the destination will feel from home.

• Familiar: Ideal if you feel anxious about travelling, or you’re going abroad for the first time in years. The destinations feel culturally familiar, English is widely spoken, and every transition is managed with gentle, step-by-step guidance.
• Refreshing: A blend of familiar comforts and delightful new culture. Local customs or languages may differ, and your host is with you throughout, so you always feel supported.
• Invigorating: For guests comfortable with distinct cultures, foreign languages and non-Western settings. You’re fully escorted with high-touch support, but the sights, sounds and daily rhythm will feel genuinely different from home.

The familiarity rating is shown on each tour page. If you’re not sure which suits you, get in touch and we’ll help you choose.

Yes, and you’ll be in good company. Many of our guests travel solo, and it’s one of the best things about these journeys. Everyone on the tour shares a love of needlework, so you have something to talk about from the first day, and friendships tend to form quickly over a workshop table or a shared meal.

You’ll never be left on your own unless you choose to be. Your tour leader looks after the group throughout the scheduled program, and you’re welcome to spend free time with new friends or by yourself, whichever you prefer.

Travelling in a group is a full-on experience, and sharing a room day after day is part of that. If you can, we suggest booking with a friend or family member.

If you’re travelling on your own and would like to share, get in touch and we’ll do our best to pair you with another guest who has also asked to share. We can’t guarantee a match. If we can’t find one, you’ll be charged the single supplement. We’ll tell you before you confirm your booking, so there are no surprises.

Please also be aware that if you decide during the tour to move from a shared room to a single, the single supplement applies to both you and your roommate. Please check our terms and conditions before you book.

Yes, you’re welcome to bring a companion who doesn’t stitch. Many guests share a room with a partner, friend or family member who comes along for the destination, the food and the company.

Everyone on the tour follows the same itinerary, which is built around textiles, so companions who enjoy history, art, architecture and local culture tend to enjoy it most. Your companion joins the group for the visits, meals and travel, and can use workshop time to rest, read or explore at their own pace. Each tour page shows the schedule, so you can see how the days are shaped.

We’re not able to offer a separate program for companions, so we’d recommend this for people who are happy to go along with the group.

Our tours feature an elite lineup of world-class instructors, including master craftspeople, published authors, and Royal School of Needlework (RSN)-trained tutors. Past and recurring tutors include renowned experts such as Jenny Adin-Christie, Jacqui Carey, Michelle Carragher, and Helen Richman Jen Goodwin, alongside regional specialists like Gisella Tamagno and Adrianna Armani.

Everyone who loves needlework is welcome. Most of our guests have some stitching experience, but you don’t need to be an expert, and there’s no test and no expectation that you’ll keep pace with anyone else.

Your tutor will explain each technique step by step and work at a comfortable pace, so you can join in whatever your level. Classes include breaks, and you’re welcome to stitch at your own pace.

If you’re not sure whether a tour is right for you, get in touch and we’ll help you decide.

You’re welcome to join us. Most of our guests have some stitching experience, so you’ll be travelling with people who know the basics, but many of them are happy to share what they know, and you’ll be in good company.

Your tutor explains each technique step by step and works at a comfortable pace, so you can follow along even if it’s your first workshop. There’s no test, and no one will expect you to keep up with the most experienced stitcher in the group.

Some tours suit newer stitchers better than others.

If you’d like help choosing, get in touch and we’ll point you to a tour that suits you. If you’d like to learn a few basics before you travel, a local class or an online tutorial for the stitch you’ll be working on is a good way to build confidence.

Teachers set the price of kits used for classes during our tours and events. The price can vary due to several factors including (1) the complexity of the project (2) the type of materials involved (3) which project you choose in cases where a choice is offered. You will not pay more than it would cost to buy the same kit directly from the teacher’s website.

One main suitcase plus a small carry-on per guest, in line with our coach and airline allowances.

Your tour will also have its own destination-specific list, so we’ll send you exactly what to bring for each workshop before you travel.

Generally pack light and comfortable. Bring broken-in walking shoes, layers you can add or remove, a light waterproof jacket and smart-casual outfits for dinner. For needlework, bring your favourite needles, threads, a small pair of scissors, magnifier or good reading glasses and a rechargeable lamp.

Please also pack your prescription medicines in their original packaging, your passport and your travel insurance details.

Your tour will also have its own specific list, so we’ll send you exactly what to bring for each workshop before you travel. Generally speaking bring your favourite needles, threads, a small pair of scissors, magnifier or good reading glasses and a rechargeable lamp.

Expect a moderate amount of walking, including uneven ground and stairs at historic sites.

Let us know your needs on booking and we'll cater for them wherever possible.

Please contact us before booking so we can discuss how best to support you on tour.

If you feel unwell on tour, tell your tour leader as soon as you can. They’ll help you find medical care if you need it and adjust the day so you can rest. All guests need travel insurance with medical cover, which helps with treatment and related costs. To keep everyone well, please wear a mask and keep your distance from others if you have a cough or cold. We may ask you to rest rather than join an activity if you’re unwell.

Our tours are smoke-free in all shared spaces, including coaches, workshops and dining areas, and the same applies to vaping. If you smoke, you’re welcome to join us. Please step outside and well away from the group. Hotels and venues each have their own rules, and any fines or cleaning fees are the guest’s responsibility.

You are always fully supported. Outside the hotel, our guides accompany the group every step of the way to ensure you never have to navigate a foreign city alone, handle crowds, or worry about getting lost. If you are ever hurt, feel unwell, or need help, a team member is right there to manage it instantly. We handle everything so you can relax, while completely respecting your independence whenever you choose to enjoy some free time alone.

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Call us on 1300 385 080 (within Australia) or +61 3 7046 7434 (from overseas), or email enquiries@needleworktours.com.au.

Our office is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm Sydney time, and a real person will get back to you.