Anna Crutchley trained in woven textiles at West Surrey College of Art and Design. She set up her first studio as a hand weaver, designing textiles in Sri Lanka and India, and furthering her interest in the development of textile techniques within different cultures. Her research into hybrid techniques of passementerie then began and in 1990 she turned to designing and making tassels, fringes and cords to commission for interior decorators and furniture restorers. She teaches textiles in Cambridge, where she lives, and gives regular design workshops. Her work has been featured in many magazines including Country Living.