RSN Essential Stitch Guides: Goldwork

This book is a reformatted, larger version of the original 2012 edition. It’s A4 which makes it much easier to read, see and use because everything is printed larger. I’ve seen goldwork mentioned in various embroidery books so I wondered what I could actually learn from a specific book on it and how a whole book could be dedicated just to that technique but wow there’s a lot of content and different ways of using gold and metallic elements in your embroidery work.

It’s absolutely full of step-by-step pictures and instructions to show you how to use gold thread and add sequins all the way up to much more complicated pieces incorporating multiple goldwork techniques using plate, couching, padding, purl and more. The instructions are clearly worded and pictured in detail so that you can easily follow along. There is a vast array of different techniques and these range from traditional designs to more contemporary and modern.

I have a number of these RSN books and I’m always amazed at the sheer amount of information and variety in techniques they provide within each highly specific area of embroidery. It really is the book I didn’t know I needed and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to incorporate goldwork in their embroidery because you won’t find a more detailed, wide-ranging techniques book anywhere.

-- Lucy Fyles * Amazon *

I'm a goldwork beginner and feels this is a fantastic book which will help me alongside the kits I've bought. Clear photos alongside clear explanations of the materials and equipment needed, along with illustrated info on different types of stiches and techniques used in goldwork. There are also a few beautiful examples of completed work.

-- Christi Poulsom * Amazon *

I received a copy of Helen McCook’s Goldwork through a competition on Search Press and I’m thrilled with my copy. Goldwork is a gorgeous technique which is made very approachable using the step by step treatment  in this book. Following an introduction into the technique and its history the book details all the materials and equipment you need alongside descriptions of the best way to set these up.

The large format of the book means the photographs that go with the instructions are of good size and very clear. The mid section of the book goes through how to use each type of thread and the different effects achievable using different stitches, with clear photographs of each step.

The final section of the book examines some projects done by the author with descriptions of how they were done. These are written in a way to inspire the reader to develop their own work. Overall, this book has a clear and thorough approach which leaves the reader reader to pick up a needle and get stitching.

-- Bev de Vine * Amazon *

Like most RSN embroidery books, this book is heavily focused on the techniques. With excellent instructions and pictures, you learn a wide variety of techniques from designing to framing up. 

-- Maria Crouchley * Amazon *

RSN Essential Stitch Guides: Goldwork is a comprehensive book that seeks to share the history of the needlework technique, the tools required to try it, a breakdown of the associated techniques as well as images of inspirational projects.

The images are sublime and are a testament to the true beauty of this technique and the interwoven elements of colour, light, and texture.

The contents page is clear and inspiring with such rich colours and textures. The introduction includes background information about the Royal School of Needlework as well as the technique of Goldwork itself before then providing a detailed exploration of fabric, threads, hoops and frames, tools and more. It provides clear and easy to follow information about how to frame up or hoop up depending on your preference and project.

What I really like is that this book does not presume prior knowledge, so it really does guide you through the whole process in a way that is useful for experienced stitchers and new stitchers alike.

Next, the book moves onto the methods involved in goldwork. These methods include couching with different threads, finishing your stitching with different threads, how to handle angles when stitching, cutwork, basketweave and more. I had a go at couching with rococo, before subsequently following the instructions for couching angles.

The book then moves onto the stitches that can be used as surface stitches in goldwork (chain stitch, feather stitch, trellis stitch). I can’t wait to try these out!

Lastly, the book presents a section on ‘Combining Techniques’. In this section, a range of photos are presented along with information about the materials and techniques used.

All in all, this is a beautiful book.

-- Naomi Clarke * naomialice.co.