Goldwork Embroidery: Essential Techniques
Lucy Barter
Class Preview
1:36
- In-depth Instruction; over 107 mins
- On-demand video access anytime
- Bonus downloadable PDF resources
- Access to class Q&A
Preparing for Goldwork Embroidery
18:40
Lucy Barter, an instructor certified by the Royal School of Needlework, begins class by showing stunning examples of the effects you can achieve with the classic art of goldwork embroidery. With a few simple tools and materials, plus the included design template, you can be ready to start stitching your own work of art.
Building Dimension With Padding
21:48
Lay the dimensional foundation for your class project with layers of felt padding and string. Lucy shows how to cut felt to the correct dimensions and tack it down for larger shapes, or secure bundles of soft string such as embroidery floss to create ridges. To achieve a basket weave, you'll use hard string for structure.
Couching Threads & Plunging
15:15
Learn about couching, in which thick gold threads are laid on the surface of your fabric, then secured with finer threads. Lucy discusses types of threads you can use and shows how to apply them, either singly or in layers with brick stitch. Plunge the thread ends to the wrong side of your work to tie them off.
Pearl Purl & Spangles
12:54
Pearl purl is a tightly coiled thread that resembles a string of gold pearls or beads. When you couch with it, the threads disappear between the pearls. Lucy shares tips for overstretching pearl purl and adding colored floss for different looks. Play with milliary thread, spangles and leather kid, too!
Chipwork
12:28
Fill in areas of your design with detail and dazzle using chipwork. You'll create texture with tiny, beadlike stitches using "chips" of bright check thread. Then see how to make loops with bright check or smooth purl (perfect for flower stamens), or use your chips with spangles and beads or in layers to create fresh designs.
Cutwork
14:22
In cutwork, you'll cut longer chips of smooth purl to fit precisely over soft-string padding, or use the S-ing (or essing) stitch to create a twisted chain. Mix it up with bright check or colored purl thread, and try a variety of other stitches, including chevron and checkerboard.
More Dimensional Techniques
11:17
Tackle the tricky but impressive basket weave stitch with Lucy's guidance, then see examples using metal mesh, twist threads and broad plate. Get inspired by a very special project Lucy created, and learn finishing techniques for displaying your own!
Discover expert goldwork embroidery techniques with Royal School of Needlework instructor Lucy Barter as your guide. No matter your experience with metal threads, Lucy will give you step-by-step instruction, from building a raised foundation to adding elegant detail. Begin by learning simple tricks for securing felt padding to your fabric and stitching with the included design template. Then, discover first-rate couching techniques to fasten threads in a single row or adjacent rows using the brick stitch. Move on to more essential goldwork techniques including working with pearl purl, chipwork, cutwork and spangles. Finally, see how to create an exquisite basket weave stitch to beautifully complete the included design.
Lucy Barter
Lucy Barter holds a B.A. Honors in fashion design. After several years designing for established children's labels in the U.K. and U.S., she pursued her passion for needlework and enrolled in a three-year apprenticeship at the Royal School of Needlework (RSN), graduating in 2006. Lucy then taught at RSN, and later opened her own business, Forever Embroidery Studio, in San Francisco, where she co-founded the San Francisco School of Needlework and Design.
Bonus materials available after purchase