Goldwork Swallow Embroidery Course

Location: Hand & Lock School for Embroidery & Creative Arts, 86 Margaret Street, Fitzrovia, London, W1W 8TE
Duration: 2 Day Workshop  (10am - 4:30pm each day)

Join us for a special two-day Goldwork embroidery course in our Hand & Lock School for Embroidery & Creative Arts space. During this immersive course you will explore the fundamentals of Goldwork, working with different types of metal threads and learning all about their unique properties. At Hand & Lock we are passionate about preserving the traditional artisanal craft of hand embroidery while updating it to keep it relevant for today’s embroidery industry. Our swallow design is contemporary and full of movement, carrying symbols of hope, freedom and new beginnings. You will learn how to handle each type of metal thread and apply it to its best advantage, as well as how to prepare threads with wax prior to stitching to create a refined, professional finish.

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• Please read all of the course description information above and the “How the Course Works” information below before booking.
• 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.

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The swallow is a small, elegant bird, full of movement and character, which makes it perfect for exploring goldwork embroidery. Its shape gives you space to practise a range of techniques, from applying pearl purl outlines to kid leather appliqué, while keeping the design clean and contemporary. This course is all about building texture and detail in a way that feels modern and sophisticated, resulting in a piece that is delicate and striking. At Hand & Lock we love goldwork’s rich history, taking techniques that go back to medieval times and using them to create designs that feel fresh and contemporary. The swallow itself is a symbol of hope, freedom and new beginnings.

Goldwork has its origins in Byzantine and Middle Eastern traditions where shimmering threads were used to show divine power and wealth. In the Byzantine Empire gold embroidery was reserved for royalty, clergy and nobility. Its cost and the time it took to make meant it was a clear marker of privilege and authority.

The technique reached a peak in the medieval era with the development of Opus Anglicanum, the celebrated English style known for its intricate use of gold threads. Worked into ceremonial robes, religious vestments and royal garments these embroideries often showed biblical scenes enriched with pearls and silk and were admired across Europe as symbols of English craftsmanship.

Goldwork returned to fashion in the Victorian period when a taste for opulence and elaborate decoration inspired new designs for clothing furnishings and accessories. This later style often used floral and geometric motifs balancing richness with refinement.

Today goldwork continues to play an important role across the embroidery industry. At Hand and Lock it is used for military and ceremonial dress, couture fashion, bespoke interiors and a wide range of creative commissions. Its adaptability and enduring appeal make it as relevant now as it was in the past.

• Our Goldwork Swallow course explores a wide range of goldwork techniques, from linework to filling methods. You will begin by practising Pearl Purl couching and learning how to perfect this technique to create a beautiful metal thread outline.

• We will then build on linework skills by exploring passing thread application, understanding the different characteristics of each outlining method. To add decorative detail, you will learn trellis stitched in passing thread, creating an accurate pattern secured with metal threads.

• The body of the swallow is filled using kid leather. You will practise stitching down the leather and outlining it with Pearl Purl to enhance the piece. Chipping will then be introduced to add sparkle and texture.

• Cutwork with bullion purls is used to add depth to the wings, followed by the final finishing touches of delicate beading within the wing details.

You will be given a full course kit with everything you need to take part. All materials and tools are provided, so you only need to bring yourself.

If you would prefer, you are welcome to bring your own mug for refreshments and your own embroidery kit. This is entirely optional and not required for the course.