Master Needle Artist Program

This pin will identify the wearer as having completed the requirements for certification in ANG’s Master Needle Artist program

The Master Needle Artist Program is a challenging program designed to help the Candidate strive towards creative development of his/her talents by learning to adapt historical art from a period they have selected. The Candidate will display his or her:  

• stitching knowledge
• ability to research a specific historical culture of their choice; study line, color, and design within the context of that historical culture  
• ability to explore how materials and stitches affect design  
• understanding of color and design principles  

The initial step is the completion of an application. It is important that you have appropriate experience before applying to this program. Candidates currently in the program have either an academic background with experience in stitching, have participated in exhibiting, and/or taken classes through the Guilds. The Candidate should understand away waste knots, properly laid threads, and demonstrate a stitch tension that is consistent throughout his/her work. The back of the stitched work should be neat with no loose threads.  

The application has an open book test on design, stitches that must be graphed, and a stitch exercise demonstrating that you understand the knowledge gained from completing the open book test.  This is to ensure that the Candidate is ready to enter the program and has the experience necessary to design a unique work of art. Once the program is entered, we work with you to explore your individual goals, and help you with any frustrations or questions you might have throughout the process.  

Once admitted, the program has four phases. Each phase is to be completed within a year. The year is broken down into eight months to finish the phase, one month for evaluation, two months to resolve any problems (if needed), and another month to re-evaluate, if there was any re-work necessary.  

Phase 1
Mastering Stitches and Design

Phase 1 consists of two sections. The first section emphasizes stitches, threads, colors, and values placed in a design provided for you. In the second section, you will create your own design using geometric shapes, then explain the logic of your choices.  A research paper on adapting historical art, and a critical analysis of your work is submitted.  

Phase 2
Research and Design — Line and Color

This phase emphasizes research and experimentation with line and color. After reviewing books on art and design from the chosen historical period, you will create three designs of your own that allow experimentation with color, design, and exploration of line. Throughout phase 2 and 3, you are encouraged to find your own artistic voice, and discover who you are as a Needle Artist. This process is a wonderful period of self-discovery. Candidates narrow their focus within the historical period they have been researching to discover how to create a balanced design. You will submit a paper explaining the critical analysis of your work.

 Phase 3
Research and Design — Materials and Stitches

This phase emphasizes further research and experimentation with materials and stitches.  There is a small amount of stitching. The focus of Phase 3 is to assist you in discovering how to create an adapted historical work of art that is unique to you as an artist. You will submit a paper explaining the critical analysis of your work.  

 Phase 4
Historical Needle Art Piece

After completing the first three phases, the Candidate has the confidence, skills, and knowledge to complete a piece that further defines who they are as an artist. The experience and skills learned from this program allow a Candidate to understand the process, and how to be inspired by, rather than reproduce a work of art.  

We work through frustrations and problems together through a mentoring process.

A successful Candidate has a driving force that compels him or her towards the goal of becoming a Master in this field.  

We would love to have you join us in this journey of self-discovery. Please contact us to discuss the possibilities and address any concerns you might have on whether this program is appropriate for you.  

Application forms may be obtained by contacting the Chairman, Master Needle Artist Program.