Learn the historical art of fine whitework in this informative, instructional guide from the Royal School of Needlework and master skills of Jenny Adin-Christie. This exquisite guide provides a historical background to fine whitework, and an exploration of the key stitch techniques involved in this intricate style of hand embroidery. Discover how to master five key areas of whitework technique: sculptured, translucent, filigree, fretted and voided; then apply these to two detailed and stunning pieces – a delicate button with scabiosa motif, and an elaborate embroidery honoring the 150th anniversary of the RSN. Clear step-by-step instructions and stitch diagrams aid the reader in their own whitework embroideries, and there is plenty of inspiration by way of Jenny Adin-Christie’s own elegant works, and those of other RSN students and tutors.

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 many hundreds of years, but is constantly taking embroidery forward in new and innovative ways. This series of Essential Stitch Guides 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. Whitework begins with the history of this wide-ranging type of embroidery, then explains the materials needed and the issues of designing and ordering your work for stitching in white on white fabric. The Stitches section covers pulled thread, core surface, decorative and drawn thread stitches, as well as eyelets and cutwork. Two beautiful whitework pieces are then analysed to show how all the stitches and techniques were used, and a traditional piece is reworked with a contemporary twist. Finally the further techniques of using layers, net darning and trailing are shown. Step by step photography, full instructions and diagrams make this a clear and user-friendly guide to whitework, and Lizzy's skills and talent make it an inspirational book.

New large format version of the bestselling Royal School of Needlework stitch guide. The Royal School of Needlework teaches hand embroidery to the highest standard, developing techniques in new and innovative ways. Written by RSN apprentice and tutor Lizzy Lansberry, this book contains an extensive stitch guide, as well as guidance on the materials and equipment you need; how to design your own whitework embroidery; framing up; and positioning and transferring your design. Each stitch is clearly illustrated with step-by-step photography, along with expert instruction on how to form the stitch and use it in your needlework. With an introduction to the RSN and a brief history of whitework, together with numerous traditional and contemporary examples, this book provides an essential guide to this classic form of embroidery.

Learn the historical art of goldwork in this informative guide from the Royal School of Needlework. The Royal School of Needlework (RSN) is recognized internationally as a centre of excellence for embroidery, and Goldwork is the fourth title in a series of books showcasing the RSN's techniques and contemporary flair. Author Emi Nimura is a Graduate Apprentice and expert teacher with the RSN, and provides the reader with a thorough grounding in goldwork stitches and techniques, three beautiful projects and numerous inspiring finished pieces. The book features an introduction to the RSN and its prestigious heritage. It reveals the history and context of goldwork, the materials and tools that are used, and clear, highly illustrated technical instruction that will allow the reader to achieve the technical expertise that goldwork demands. In addition, there are numerous examples of Emi's exquisite work throughout the book, together with a varied range of finished works by other embroiderers that showcase the diversity of goldwork design in both a traditional and a contemporary context.

Discover the classic beauty of Schwalm embroidery, with its surface stitches, pulled fabric, drawn thread, needlelace, and needleweaving. Featuring traditional design elements (tulips, flowers, pine cones, fruit, and doves), the projects in this unique, fully illustrated collection include table linens, a pincushion with matching needlecase, a sampler, and more. With a stitch glossary and designs suitable for beginners as well as those with experience in Schwalm.

A new, larger format edition of the Royal School of Needlework's essential guide to goldwork, giving you all you need to create beautiful stitched work with metal thread. The Royal School of Needlework 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. Written by Helen McCook, RSN Graduate Apprentice, Tutor and renowned embroiderer, this book begins with: A historical account of goldwork, then moves on to the materials and equipment required Framing up, how to transfer a design on to fabric, and how to start and finish a thread. The main section of the book then covers all the essential stitches and techniques through clear, step-by-step diagrams and photographs, coupled with beautiful, close-up photographs showing how then 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. Part of the RSN Essential Guides series.