Embroidery techniques

There are many beautiful techniques in hand embroidery: traditional Goldwork used for centuries to symbolise wealth and power; delicate Whitework for weddings, christenings and formal household linens; Crewelwork with the Jacobean style bringing design traditions from Asia; Blackwork seen as a costume decoration of status in 16th-century portraits and still used today for dramatic effects in portraiture; and numerous other techniques for creative and imaginative use.

We offer courses in a wide variety of these techniques to introduce you to something new or to develop your skills further. Discover more about these stunning embroidery techniques and their history:

Blackwork

Blackwork is a historic technique that has been developed by the RSN to become a form of tonal stitching. The technique uses a variety of geometric stitches in one colour which enables dramatic effects to be created.

Canvaswork

Canvaswork is also known as Needlepoint. It is a form of counted embroidery, worked on linen canvas, covering the entire surface with a variety of textural stitches.

Goldwork

This technique has its history in military, ecclesiastical and royal regalia, but it also creates the most beautiful and dramatic embroideries. Using a wide variety of metal threads, it can be combined with other techniques to produce luxurious effects.

Crewelwork

One of the earliest forms of surface stitching, crewelwork uses a range of stitches using crewel wool on linen. Crewelwork is an ideal technique for anyone new to embroidery. Introducing a range of stitches and an element of shading, this technique can be used for traditional and contemporary designs.

Silk Shading

This beautiful technique, sometimes known as ‘painting with a needle’, uses a number of colours in cotton or silk threads, skilfully blended together to create the natural appearance of a flower, fruit, plant or animal.

Stumpwork

Stumpwork, also known as raised embroidery uses an array of different materials and embroidery techniques to tell a contemporary story in stitch using three dimensional elements. Designs can be varied and imaginative, offering scope for a high degree of creativity.

Whitework

The term apples to a variety of techniques ranging from the bold stitches of Mountmellick and Hardanger to the delicate work of Ayrshire and Fine White embroidery. Traditionally worked with white thread on white fabric and used for bridal and christening wear and ecclesiastical embroidery. Whitework techniques adapt well to contemporary designs and the introduction of colour.

Royal School of Needlework

Embroidery Techniques