RSN Essential Stitch Guides: Goldwork

A new, larger format edition of the classic reference work on goldwork embroidery by the Royal School of Needlework (RSN). The Essential Stitch Guides provide a set of definitive works on traditional embroidery techniques.

Written by Helen McCook, a Graduate Apprentice, Tutor, and renowned embroiderer, this book begins with a historical account of goldwork. It then moves on to the materials and equipment required, framing up, how to transfer a design onto fabric, and how to start and finish a thread. The main section of the book covers all of the essential stitches and techniques through clear, step-by-step diagrams and photographs, coupled with beautiful, close-up photographs showing how they can be used in a finished piece.

All the key traditional techniques are included: couching, bricking, basketweave, cutwork, spangles, s-ing, pearl purl, plate, and kid. The book ends with beautiful and exquisitely-worked examples of how the techniques can be combined in finished pieces.

The 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 many hundreds of years, but is constantly taking embroidery forward in new and innovative ways.