STITCHERS of all ages can help to enhance a world record tomorrow for the world’s longest embroidery.

The challenge has been organised as part of the Big Stitch event at the Ashmolean Museum, which is a celebration of all things embroidered.

Anyone can add to the world’s longest embroidery, which is already 600 metres long, with the help of Embroiderers’ Guild experts and needle and thread artist Mr X Stitch.

Visitors will also be able to attend traditional embroidery demonstrations and take part in a programme of workshops, tours and lectures.

Aimee Payton, from the museum’s Department of Eastern Art, said: “The Ashmolean is thrilled to be holding The Big Stitch in association with the Embroiderers’ Guild as part of our Threads of Silk and Gold events programme.

“To commemorate the event, we will be asking members of the public to add to the world’s longest embroidery and to help us set a new record.”

Visitors can study the history of embroidery in the special exhibition Threads of Silk and Gold: Ornamental Textiles From Meiji Japan – and in the Ashmolean’s permanent galleries.

Between 11am to 4pm, the Embroiderers’ Guild will be holding workshops for children and adults, giving beginners and more advanced embroiderers the chance to create something new just in time for Christmas.

Young embroiderers can learn how to make a Christmas tree decoration, a beautiful Japanese-style fan, or study the ancient Japanese art of Sashiko embroidery.

Workshops for adults offer the chance to make a folded pocket book or to improve techniques with the help of renowned raised-work artist Kay Dennis.

There will also be a crowd stitching area where visitors can sit and sew, with advice from embroidery experts, and 1,000 mini-kits available for free, for anyone who wants to have a go.

Lectures in the Taylorian Lecture Theatre will run throughout the day, looking at the past, present and future of embroidery with guest speakers Chris Berry, Jean Littlejohn, Anthea Godfrey, Sue Rangeley and Jan Beaney.

Tours of the Ashmolean’s permanent galleries and the special exhibition, plus object viewing in the Jameel Study Centre, will be on offer, helping visitors explore the history of textile arts around the world.

The Big Stitch runs from 11am to 4pm.

For a full programme of events, visit ashmolean.org/ exhibitions/threads/events/stitch