Couture Embroidery: Goldwork & Organza Florals

£250.00

Goldwork Embroidery: A Couture Twist

Inspired by the opulence of high-fashion embellishment and the heritage of traditional Goldwork, this course will teach students how to create luxurious embroideries with a contemporary softness.

Course Overview

During the course, students will be guided step-by-step through the creation of their own couture embroidery, incorporating:

• Flowing gold stems
• Textured leaves
• Sheer fabric petals
• Subtle beadwork

Techniques Covered

Students will learn traditional Goldwork techniques such as couching gold threads in an organic way to create fluidity, alongside cutwork to build texture and depth. The course will then explore how to combine couture-inspired elements, such as layered fabric petals and beads.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will have:

• The foundations of a beautifully detailed Goldwork piece.
• A strong technical groundwork in both traditional and contemporary approaches.
• Confidence working with metal threads and a range of mixed materials.
• The ability to apply these techniques creatively in their own unique designs.

Note: Suitable for beginners and those wishing to refine their skills, this course offers an inspiring introduction to Goldwork with a couture twist.

Guest Tutor – Alex Standring

Alex Standring is an award-winning, Hand Embroiderer working across luxury fashion, costume and education. Specialising in Goldwork embroidery, she uses metal threads to create richly textured and light-catching surfaces that bring embroidery to life. Blending traditional techniques with a contemporary approach, Alex’s practice is rooted in craftsmanship, innovation, and a deep respect for heritage. Her work explores pattern, texture, and the reflective qualities of metal thread, transforming historic methods into striking modern designs. Alex graduated from the Royal School of Needlework in 2018 with a First-Class BA(Hons) in Hand Embroidery for Fashion, Interiors, Textile Art and subsequently graduated from the University of Leeds with an MSc in Textiles in 2020.

She worked with leading couture houses including Ralph & Russo, Safiyaa, Burberry, and Tamara Ralph, as well as on major film and television productions such as Mulan, House of the Dragon, and Wicked. She is a recipient of multiple embroidery awards including taking 1st place in the Student Textile Art category at the Hand & Lock ‘Prize for Embroidery’ and the Gold and Silver Wyre Drawers’ award for Goldwork Embroidery. To date her work has been exhibited in London at the Guildhall Art Gallery, The Goldsmith’s Centre and The Fashion & Textile Museum. She is also a Trade Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Gold & Silver Wyre Drawers.

Please note this is an in-person class at Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU.

Please view important joining information about Hampton Court courses.

RSN Stitch Bank
You can explore many more stitches in the RSN Stitch Bank.

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