When it comes to embroidery, there are so many different methods and styles to choose from, its amazing!
There really is no limit on what you can achieve with it. What something with more texture? Try Brazilian Embroidery. Something more uniform and flat more your speed? How about a good o’l cross stitch then!
Because of this, I am constantly learning new fun things to try in my crafting sessions.
This week’s agenda? Goldwork Embroidery!
What is Goldwork Embroidery?
Goldwork embroidery is the art of using metal thread or thread that has metal leafing woven into it for an embroidering project. The metal doesn’t even necisarily need to be gold for it to be concidered Goldwork, though gold is commonly used in fancier projects! This is an ancient technique that can be traced back to a time when quality metals and threads came from the east and made their way west on the Silk Road. Metal thread when used in embroidery catches the light in wonderful ways and adds much depth and sturdiness to the fabric. It’s been revitalized in recent years.
Hoorah for us and the beautiful art to come!
How to Do Goldwork Embroidery
This style of embroidery has a large array of techniques you can choose from when using metal thread. When learning, it is helpful to choose a fabric that doesn’t stretch as much; such as cotten, linen, or other natural fabrics.
Find a design with clear shapes and outlines that way its easier to follow.
Next you have to learn some stitches and techniques! It’s common in goldwork to use padding to help fill and raise the pattern up. You can use soft string or felt padding for this! Next you can choose your stitch. You can always use more than one. Some common stitches are: Crouching, Pearl Purl, Chipping, & Cutwork.
These are just some of the vast array of goldwork techniques, seeing as there are too many to fit into one post!
Once you’ve done all of this, it’s time to get started!
Goldwork Embroidery Supplies
- Fine Embroidery Needles
- Natural fabric
- Embroidery Frame
- Sharp Sissors
- Beeswax
- A design
Embroidery Gold Thread
Prices on this thread can vary depending on several different reasons such as metal type and amount. For a beginner though, here is a link to some easy to use gold colored thread! Click Here.
I’ve compiled a list of some amazing goldwork examples for you to look through to get a good feel for this kind of embroidery. It’s not the simplest to achieve but I know if you keep on working at it you’ll succeed! Oh and I also included a list of tips & tricks to help you have a seemless first session. Take a look at those below!
Embroidery Goldwork Ideas
5. Behive
6. 3 Beetles
10. Golden Bee Kit
12. Simple Tree
13. Rabbit in Nature
14. Little Birdie
15. Reindeer
16. Cute Beehive
17. Double Trouble Tweety Birds
20. Cool Dragon
21. Detailed Lion
23. Flock of Trains
24. Sun
26. Golden goose
28. Mushrooms
29. Gothic Letter
30. Moon in Progress
32. Cool Froggy
33. Goldfish
Goldwork Tips & Tricks
1. Always use fine embroidery needles instead of thicker ones. These help you to be more precise with your thread and will save you unnecessary struggle!
2. When starting out, practice your goldwork on more natural fabrics like cotton. They have less give and stretch, this will make it easier for you in your beginning stages of your craft!
3. Use an embroidery frame to help pull the fabric tight. This way you can use both of your hands freely.
4. When choosing a felt padding, try to get a more stiff felt that won’t fall apart after being punctured so many times.
5. Make sure you have a thimble on hand. They’re finger tip savers!
6. Using a thread conditioner will help your thread go through your fabric with ease!
7. Having a stiletto on hand can be super helpful for creating thicker holes in fabric.
8. Always Always ALWAYS keep a pair of tweezers near by! You can use these to make certain kinks in your gold thread that may be necisary for the design.
9. You’ll also need a pair of scissors that are meant for cutting metal.
10. Fine a good podcast or audio book to listen to when starting out this project, it’ll make it loads more fun!
And there you have it! 43 Goldwork embroidery Ideas and Tips! I hope you found them useful, and that you have a new found appreciation for the goldwork craft. I know I sure do! Now get out there and learn how to achieve this awesome style of art! I know with a little elbow grease, you can totally become a pro. Happy Embroidering!
More Embroidery Ideas You’ll Love!
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31 Adorable Easter Embroidery Designs – Easter is such a fun holiday, and what better way to celebrate than with some adorable Easter embroidery designs? This springtime celebration is a great way to bring your family and friends together. As you start thinking about what kind of food you’ll eat, don’t forget about decorations – and entertaining activities. Whatever date Easter falls on this year, you’ll be ready to celebrate! You can use any of the Easter designs below to embellish clothing, homewares, or even create some unique Easter decor! Another fun idea to make the most out of your Easter egg hunts is to fill a few eggs with some embroidery kits.
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How To Start Embroidery With The Easiest Stitches To Learn – Embroidery is not as difficult as you may think. While it can be a little tricky at first, do not be intimidated! Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be producing adorable projects in no time. It is also an inexpensive activity. Simply run to your local craft store or hop on Amazon for the basic products and then research a beginner pattern to embark on your embroidery journey. This guide will walk you through the tools and three basic stitches you will need to know to give you a solid foundation.
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37 Gorgeous Butterfly Embroidery Pattern Ideas – Butterfly embroidery patterns aren’t difficult to make at all! You can use any filling stitches to fill in the wings, and you can use almost any material as well! Felt, sequins, beads, and ribbons can all look fabulous in your project. While stitching designs always vary in difficulty, there are several tutorials and easy patterns available to choose from to help you get started. Here are some fantastic butterfly embroidery patterns that I’ve come across in my recent obsession! I particularly love the bright monarch patterns, as well as those that incorporate flowers. And all are great for gifts!
I’m Victoria Hudgins and I believe in learning embroidery to express all the fun and joy that is within you. With the right instruction you can be sure your next threaded project is one you’ll love to keep or gift.