Free Goldwork Tutorial
Written and Designed by Janet M. Davies 

Gold has always caught the eye of designers through the centuries. When we think of strips of metal today we think of rings and bracelets worn on arms and fingers. But it has been found in tombs AD400, strips of gold had been beaten flat and woven into fabric. The churches over the centuries have embellished and heavily embroidered their vestments and hangings with metallic threads and coils.

Goldwork today whether fine strands of metallic thread alone, coiled wire, gold covered leather, sequins and beads etc, the effect captures the eye and brings a richness to a design.

Goldwork is not always gold. Generally today any metallic object being silver, bronze or copper coloured can be used in the techniques of Goldwork embroidery. There is an array of many metallic colours used in threads or wire that can be used to embellish your designs

When most Goldwork projects have been completed they tend to be on the heavy side, so a sturdy ground fabric should be used or a fine fabric lined with a medium weight fabric for strength. If your design is fully made of gold threads or coils as the pictures on this page, a striking colour to the fabric helps the design to stand out and brings alive its brilliance. But hey, if you are the designer, then it's what strikes your eye.

When designing Goldwork remember if a lot of metallic is used in the design, then simplicity is the aim of the total design. You may have the whole fabric area covered in stitching, but the design elements should not be too detailed. I find the brilliance of a Goldwork design can be lost if the design is too busy within it's self. Do not be afraid to mix gold and silver together in one design but keep the design simplicity there. Also beads or sequins added to a design may just break an over busy design into something more easy on the eye.    www.jmddesigns.co.nz

Who says that Goldwork has to be made of totally metallic threads. Introduce any other type of thread or embroidery style you like to a design. Silk and Rayon threads add brilliance to a design and can harmonise wonderfully. The inside of a bunch of Bullion stitched roses can be brought to life with the centre of the rose filled with fine segments of metallic coils. The use of cotton threads can tone down the complexity of a design if need be. What the heck, your the designer, throw in the kitchen sink if it gives the look you are after.

This Scottish Thistle is made using Sadi coiled wire. Sadi thread is traditionally couched or cut into lengths which can be stitched on like beads.

This is Stumpwork Goldwork. The body of the bug is padded using layer of felt. Then slips of wired edged fabric have rows of beads sewn on and then attached over the padded body. The body is 9cm (3 1/2 inches) long. The bug sits 2.5cm (1/2 inch) off the fabric.

The body of the bug is padded layers of felt. Then metallic threads are stitched over the felt. The beetle body is 5cm (2 inches) long.

The body of the bug is padded layers of felt. Beads and sadi are then sewn over the felt. The bugs head is gold kid leather. The beetle body is 5cm (2 inches) long.

This is gold leather shapes surround in gold beads and copper metallic threads. What is the shape? An angels wing or a warriors helmet? It is 25cm (10 inches) long.

This Gold fish has wavy fins and tail, that play with the light reflected off the gold Sadi coils. A Shisha mirror has been used for his eye. Three different types of Sadi Coils and beads make up the design. Design size: 10 x 9cm ( 4x 3 1/2 inches ")

This Celtic Cross has gold cord and gold stranded metallic threads, couched onto the black raw silk background. Design size:10 x 18cm (4 x 7 inches) Stitched by (c) 2000 Helen Hakaraia.

This cute little caterpillar has alternate gold and silver coloured segments to each part of his body. Three different types of Sadi Coils have been used to add texture. Beads giving the finishing touches. Design size: 7.5 x 4.5cm (3x 1 3/4 inches) 

Below are historical Goldwork photos were sent to me by the owner of them in a private collection in the USA. The owner of them would like to know the history of them. If you have any information please email me.