In the past, my tutorials have shown you how to layer different layers ofembroidery on top of each other to get a particularly sumptuous result. Thisgoldwork embroidery tutorial will add to your skills. This time, you will add a beautiful layer of silken flowers freehand. That’s right—no pattern transfer required. Read more
Several of my tutorials have shown you how to recreate a fancy padded orphrey panel frame. They are easy to do on a straight bit of border. But what happens when you need to turn a corner? The beautiful stumpwork chasuble atMerseburg Cathedral shows how medieval embroiderers managed this tricky Read more
This week’s medieval goldwork embroidery tutorial is based on the lovely cope from Hulst, which I wrote about earlier. The border around the orphrey panels is geometric and highly textured. It would look good in any modern piece of goldwork embroidery. As always, my Journeyman and Master Patrons can find Read more
In this medieval embroidery tutorial, I will show you how to recreate the lovely female face with the big braids as seen on this 15th-century chasuble. You will practice silk embroidery, padding and beading when recreating this lovely beaded stumpwork portrait of a female saint. Whilst working the medieval embroidery Read more
This goldwork tutorial shows you how to make a simple padded background for your goldwork or stumpwork embroidery. We saw this technique on the cope hood from Tuscany made in the first quarter of the 16th century. The method produces a nicely textured and firm background. It would look lovely Read more
When I demonstrate diaper pattern couching, people always ask if I have the complete pattern in my head somehow as there is nothing drawn or printed on the fabric. And even with my explanation, people don’t always fully understand how it is done. Not even embroiderers familiar with cross-stitch embroidery. Read more
Last week, I discussed some Opus anglicanum pieces that show underside couched silk worked in a brick pattern. I wondered what the benefits were of using underside couching instead of traditional brick stitch. As I had done underside couching with a metal thread before, I imagined that underside couching with silk would Read more
This week’s tutorial: beaded needle minders with historical motifs. I have always been fascinated by historical samplers! When I lived near Rotterdam many years ago, I became a textile volunteer at a local museum in Maasland. They had a stunning collection of beautiful historical samplers. I had permission to reproduce them when Read more
Professional embroidery is very different from hobby embroidery. Sometimes, hobbyists remark that the back of my embroidery isn’t very neat. For some, a neat back is the hallmark of excellent embroidery. It makes sense to have a neat back when the embroidery can be viewed from both sides. But when Read more
When I started work on this week’s stitch tutorial, I had the growing feeling that things weren’t quite what they seemed at first. That’s the great thing about doing research. I usually have no idea where the medieval embroideries will lead me. Dead ends are common. But so are those Read more