Goldwork

The Royal School of Needlework (RSN) teaches hand embroidery to the highest standard and is well respected all over the world. It not only upholds the traditions of English embroidery that go back hundreds of years, but is constantly moving embroidery forward in new and innovative ways. This series has been produced in close collaboration with the RSN with the aim of providing a set of definitive works on traditional embroidery techniques. All of the authors were chosen by the RSN and all are graduate apprentices of the Royal School.

Spotlighting the interplay of color, texture, and light, this handbook on goldwork is an excellent instructional tool for embroiderers of any skill level. The book covers the historical background of goldwork, the materials and equipment required for this craft, the process to transfer a design on to fabric, and how to start and finish a thread. Essential stitches and techniques such as couching, bricking, basket weave, cutwork, spangles, s-ing, pearl purl, plate, and kid are also featured in step-by-step diagrams and photographs.

Helen McCook is a Royal Society of Needlework graduate apprentice who leads workshops and lectures throughout the United Kingdom and United States. She was previously head of costume and textiles at Bonham’s Auction House and images of garments displaying her work for fashion companies have appeared in Elle Collections, Hello Magazine, Vanity Fair, and Vogue.