Module 1001: Exploration of Metal Threads and Goldwork Embroidery

Location: Via Zoom

Duration: Weekly 3 hour sessions 

Goldwork is the art of embroidery using metal threads. It is particularly prized for the way light plays on it. The term 'goldwork' is used even when the threads are imitation gold, silver, or copper, or coloured allowing for an array of textures and colours to express your vision. 

This unit will teach you how to explore and push the boundaries with metal threads in a design creation inspired by the brief below. Taking inspiration from traditional Goldwork embroidery, this unit explores ancient techniques in a beautiful contemporary way showcasing metal thread work at its best. 

Entry Requirements:  No formal qualifications are required for joining the course, but those who have never embroidered before are encouraged to attend at least one Hand & Lock online course first.

Each of our Diploma units has a bespoke design brief to help you begin to craft your design ideas. *Disclaimer: The amount of inspiration you take from the brief is up to you, the brief is designed as a guide to assist you in starting the design process and can be taken in any direction you desire as long as it is explained.

Embarking on your Goldwork Embroidery "Tropical Paradise" module invites participants to immerse themselves in the vibrant and lush world of tropical flora and fauna. This thematic exploration encourages artisans to stitch their own designed piece that combines the allure of exotic plants, enchanting wildlife, and a kaleidoscope of vivid colours.

Participants are encouraged to delve into the rich and diverse visual palette offered by tropical ecosystems, drawing inspiration from an array of plants and animals that thrive in these lush environments. From the lush foliage of palm trees to the mesmerising patterns found in tropical flowers, the design possibilities are expansive.

The colour palette for this hand embroidery piece should mirror the vibrancy of a tropical paradise. From the lush greens of the rainforest to the vivid hues of exotic flowers, participants are encouraged to experiment with an array of thread colours, incorporating both bold and subtle shades to capture the essence of the theme. As artisans embark on this creative endeavour, they are urged to employ various embroidery techniques to bring their vision to life. Whether it be delicate satin stitches to mimic the softness of petals or intricate French knots to add texture to animal fur, the choice of techniques should align with the overall design concept. Participants should also aim to explore as many Goldwork Embroidery techniques as possible across the unit. 

Week 1: 

Students meet each other and tutors

Course overview (mark schemes, submitting work, deadlines, how the course will run)

Brief Overview (review of the content of the brief for the Module)

Research and Design (design techniques, creating moodboards, using resources, Hand & Lock resources, guidelines for research and design)

Taught content: Designing, mark making, sketching, layering ideas, researching, planning etc. Marking out pieces/samples

Guidelines of work that need to be produced for week 3 

Week 2: 

Goldwork Embroidery Sampling (Sampling Goldwork Embroidery techniques in standard Goldwork Materials)

Taught content: Exploration of Passing thread: Brick Couching, Or Nue, Diaper Couching, Passing thread in a circle, Pekinese stitch, Felt padding with chipping

Students are able to show tutors their designs from week 1 to get some initial feedback if there is time during the session 

Week 3:

Goldwork Embroidery Sampling (Sampling Goldwork Embroidery techniques in standard Goldwork Materials)

Taught Content: Soft String Padding (Cutwork, Plate), Basketweave Padding: Cutwork, Passing, Plate.

Students are able to show tutors their designs from week 1 to get some initial feedback if there is time during the session Submission of 3 Designs and 1 Final Design proposal

Tutors Feedback on Submissions before the start of week 4 

Week 4: 

Review of Feedback - any questions students have about the feedback offered by tutors

Goldwork Embroidery Sampling (Sampling Goldwork Embroidery techniques in standard Goldwork Materials)

Taught content: felt padding and stitch with passing thread, French knots, Chain Stitch and Fly stitch in Bullion, Pearl Purl, Overstretched Pearl purl 

Week 5: 

How to create a Stitch Plan (using stitch directions, relief plans, colour plans etc)

Outlines of the submission guidelines for week 

Week 6:

Students to present their final designs and talk about their designs to students and tutors

Transferring your design onto fabric demonstration 

Week 7:

Tailored help and advice sessions for students as they realise their final designs tweaking stitching and plans week by week

Additional techniques that may be covered if they are relevant to students designs include: Kid Leather application, Silk Shading, S’ing, S’ing with spangles, Lazy Daisy Stitch, Crushed Bullion work, working cutwork next to cutwork, Feathering, Bricking 

Week 8:

Tailored help and advice sessions for students as they realise their final designs tweaking stitching and plans week by week

Discussion of the format for the submissions for the final week 

Week 9:

Tailored help and advice sessions for students as they realise their final designs tweaking stitching and plans

Discussion of the format for the submissions for the final week 

Week 10:

Final session with the tutor, help and advice on designs, submission guidelines etc.

How to take designs further and how to create a finalised Diploma Module Submission

A discussion about the self evaluation 200 words that is required alongside the final submission 

After the live taught teaching session (optional)

Week 17: Final Submission (all students to submit their work for initial marking by tutors)

Week 19: Assessment Marks Given

Students can then resubmit their work for marking up to two years after the Final Initial Submission date. 

Kit List

Included within this course is a generous kit of basic materials for you to produce the fundamental technique samples within this unit of the Diploma.

Your kit for this unit will include: Coloured Bullions, Smooth Purl, Rough Purl, Bright Check, Wax, Needles, Pounce, Propeller Pencil, Melton Felt, Soft String, Kid Leather, Black Frixion Pen, Gold Plate, Red Edged Linen, Passing Thread, Anchor Threads, Parcel String, Pearl Purl, Machine Cotton and more!

We encourage you to be as creative as possible and we would love for you to source your own original materials to add to the final piece you create with us. When you sign up to the course we will share our comprehensive list of suppliers for any materials you would like to purchase additionally. This is not mandatory but it is encouraged as you will be able to explore individual design creativity. Students will also receive 10% off the Hand & Lock shop online and in person for the duration of their course.

You will need to source a slate frame for working each unit (this frame can then be used across all of your units). If you require information on sourcing a slate frame please contact us via email on school@handembroidery.com. Students will also need to have drawing and designing implements for the design elements of the course. Please ensure you have pens, pencils, coloured pencils, paints and any additional materials you would like to design with. 

Shipping Details

Included within this course is a kit of basic materials for you to produce the fundamental technique samples within this unit of the Diploma. To complete your final piece with your own design you will be encouraged to curate your own stock of materials to use in a contemporary way. Your kits will be shipped out from Hand & Lock as part of the booking of this course. All International Parcels will be shipped via express courier at least two weeks before this class is due to start. Please do not book onto this course if you are within the two week window before the course starts and you live outside of the UK. UK parcels will be shipped at least three days before the course is due to start. UK parcels will be shipped express via Royal Mail.

Please note that the address that you book the course with will be the address that the kit is sent out to, so please double check your address before booking. Shipping cost is included in the cost of the course, if the kit needs to be resent an additional cost will need to be paid.

Please do not place orders to PO boxes or third party shipping companies, Hand & Lock are not responsible for any additional costs or the replacement of kits if any issues occur.

Technical Information

Our online courses are delivered via Zoom using a high quality visualiser. Please download Zoom before the course begins (we will send a guide on how to do this when the course is booked). We also have an accompanying WhatsApp group for each of our courses. This group enables you to connect with other students and the tutor by sharing photos of your progress. Please download WhatsApp before the course starts (we will also send a guide on how to do this when the course is booked). All of our online course sessions and recorded and sent out after the class for you to keep forever! They are sent on a link for you to download after the class so please don't worry if you miss a session of tutoring, you can always catch up using the recording.

Embroidery Design Elements

Each unit of the Diploma includes an element of hand embroidery design. This can often be seen as intimidating but we encourage you to see it as the most exciting aspect of the course as you can craft your own pieces. Our tutors will guide you through the design process from creating moodboards and researching your designs to creating your final stitch and padding plans. No prior design or drawing experience is required for the course.

Assessment Information

Assessment of work is completely optional, students will be awarded with a Certificate of Completion if they choose not to submit their work for marking and a Certificate of Achievement if they do. The Certificate of Achievement will detail the level achieved through the assessment process. There are three submission points. The first two submissions occur as you are completing each unit to provide you with detailed feedback as you work through the unit to give you a clear direction and understanding of improvements and developments. The final submission is then used to determine your final assessment mark. 

Tutor Profiles

Our bespoke online classes are taught by expert hand embroiderers who have worked in the couture industry for brands such as Alexander McQueen, Chanel, Dior, Valentino, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, YSL, Givenchy, Dolce & Gabbana, Schiaparelli, Lanvin and Burberry to name a few. The classes will cover the basics, insider tips and practical application making sure students are fully equipped to go on and apply what they have learned to their own garments and develop their own unique styles. Our tutors are work embroiderers first and tutors second which means they are able to give you a unique insight into the magical world of couture hand embroidery.

Here at Hand & Lock we pride ourselves on teaching couture hand embroidery in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Students are encouraged to chat with tutors and other students on their course. We have often found our courses lead to friendships from around the world. Immerse yourself in a 10 week course with like minded students and attentive tutors who are with you every step of the way.

Read more about our amazing tutors here

Testimonials

If you would like to hear feedback from some of our past course students you can read our testimonials here.

More About the Diploma

If you would like to read more about The Hand & Lock Diploma in Creative Embroidery please see more here

Please note the Diploma is not eligible as part of the Hand & Lock Reward Scheme, so points cannot be earned or spent on the Diploma.