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Decorative Goldwork Lettering

£345.00
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Description

Location: This course is delivered via Zoom & WhatsApp. Please click here for guides to using Zoom & WhatsApp

Duration: 6 Week Embroidery Course (1 x 2.5 hour session per week for 6 consecutive weeks) 

Date: 19th May - 23rd June (6pm-8:30pm - Tuesdays)

Join us at the Hand & Lock School for Embroidery and Creative Arts for our special Decorative Ornamental Lettering course, exploring metal thread work and illustrative personalisation.

Dating back as far as the 2nd to 4th centuries, historiated initials (large decorative letters) have been used to capture attention and highlight important parts of a text. In this Goldwork course you will learn how to use metal threads to their best advantage, understanding the characteristics of each material and how to apply them effectively within a design.

Over six weeks you will design your own decorative letter, much like the ‘L’ shown in our course photographs. You will build up the design step by step, learning a range of filling and outlining techniques to bring your idea to life. Alongside Goldwork you will also have the chance to add colour with cottons and silks, giving you the skills to combine texture, shine and shading in your finished piece.

Important Course Information
  • Check your shipping address and email are correct before ordering.

  • Please read all of the course description information above and the technical and shipping information below before booking your course.

  • All courses are non refundable, if you cannot attend please let us know as soon as possible and we will try to move you to another course.

  • If you have any questions please check our FAQ's page here

Course Design Inspiration

The inspiration for this course comes from the rich tradition of decorative lettering found in illuminated manuscripts and historic book plates. Historiated letters were first used between the 2nd and 4th centuries and became a feature of medieval texts, where large initials were embellished with gold, colour and intricate designs to draw the reader’s eye. These ornate letters combined function with beauty, marking important passages while also acting as works of art in their own right.

Our Decorative Ornamental Lettering course draws on this heritage, reimagining it for contemporary embroidery. By combining goldwork with silk and cotton threads, students can create their own modern interpretation of these historic forms, blending traditional craftsmanship with personal design.

The History of Goldwork Monogramming

Monogramming is one of the oldest forms of embroidery and has long been used to show ownership and status. In the past rulers and merchants used initials and emblems to mark identity and authority. By the medieval period royalty and nobility were decorating garments, linens and personal items so prized possessions could be recognised. Over time monograms became more decorative. During the Renaissance and Baroque periods ornate letters, crowns and motifs turned them into works of art. In the 18th and 19th centuries they were often stitched onto trousseaux and household linens as part of bridal preparations. Today goldwork is an essential part of monogramming and personalisation in embroidery. In this course you will learn how to create your own letters using traditional goldwork techniques. You will explore how metallic threads and padding can be used to add texture shape and elegance to your monogram. The skills you gain can be applied to small initials on cuffs and collars or larger showcase pieces, giving you a practical foundation to carry into future embroidery projects. - rework this as a course design inspiration paragraph where we talk about why we have designed a goldwork monogramming course

List of Taught Techniques 
  • Throughout this course you will be introduced to a range of goldwork embroidery techniques which you will combine with different fonts to create your lettering. You will begin by understanding 

What You’ll Need to Provide 
  • All course materials will be sent directly to you. You will need a 10-inch seat frame, or an equivalent embroidery or slate frame, to use during the class. You will also need to provide your own basic embroidery equipment, such as scissors, needle threaders and a daylight lamp, according to your individual needs. 

  • A key element of this course is the creation of your own delicate monogram. With this in mind, we encourage you to explore different materials and combinations beyond the embroidery kit provided so you can truly make the piece your own. You are welcome to bring additional threads, bullions or beads to personalise your design.

  • When you book the course, we will send you our Embroidery Essentials document, which outlines all the tools and equipment you might want to have ready to get the most out of your learning experience.

  • A recording of each course session will be sent to you within one week of the session. You will then be able to keep and refer to this recording indefinitely.

External Embroidery Course with Kew Gardens - Daisy Teaching

How the Course Works

Technical Information

Our online courses are delivered via Zoom using a high-quality visualiser for close-up stitching. We record each session so you can catch up or revise later. You’ll also be added to a dedicated WhatsApp group, where students and tutors can connect, share photos, ask questions and cheer each other on.

See our guide to downloading Zoom and WhatsApp here

All courses are run on UK time, please check here for help converting to another time zone.

Shipping Information

All of the materials for your course will be shipped to you, unless otherwise stated in the product description.

UK Shipping - Parcels will be sent via Royal Mail Tracked 2 weeks to 3 days before the course start date.

International Shipping - Parcels are shipped via express courier 2 weeks before the course start date, at the latest. If you book in the 2 week window, we cannot guarantee on-time delivery.

Additional Items in Your Order - If you place an order that includes both your course and other shop items, these will all be shipped together with your kit. If you would like non-course items sooner, please place a separate order.

PO Boxes / Third Party Couriers - Please do not use PO Boxes or third-party courier addresses. Hand & Lock cannot be held responsible for delays, lost parcels or additional costs.

Please be sure to double check your shipping address and email

External Course with Kew Gardens - Lucy Martin teaching

Teaching Style

Hand & Lock’s embroidery courses are known for their welcoming, student focused atmosphere where students of all levels quickly feel part of the Hand & Lock community. With small class sizes and tutors who are attentive and personable, everyone receives the guidance and encouragement they need to reach their creative goals. Our teaching style is approachable and down to earth and we go out of our way to share knowledge while celebrating each student’s progress. What makes the School so special is the community that grows around it, supportive, creative and often leading to friendships that last well beyond the classroom. The friendships and support that grow here are often just as valuable as the skills you learn.

Additional Information