Goldwork Turtle

Location: Via Zoom  

Length of Each Session: 2.5 hours 

Frequency of Session: One session per week for 6 weeks

Embark on a six-week journey delving into the art of metal thread embroidery as you create a 3D goldwork turtle with a sculptural shell. Featuring hues of sea green, teal and turtle shell, this beautiful new design will take you to the depths of the ocean through metal wire work. Under expert guidance, master the methods of design transfer, padding and sculptural metal thread work to elevate your embroidery into a three-dimensional piece. Explore light and shadow as you craft lifelike textures and contours on the turtle's shell using varying textures of bullion wires. Immerse yourself in this relaxed and friendly course whilst refining your skills and creating a stunning, lifelike Goldwork Turtle. Our courses are designed to provide expert tuition while simultaneously being fun and allowing students to connect with likeminded stitchers from across the world.

In this course you will be guided through the process of creating your Goldwork Turtle from beginning to end. You will learn how to sculpt the body of the turtle using two padding techniques (felt padding and carpet felt padding). You will learn couture Goldwork Embroidery techniques exploring bullions, purls, bright checks and more to create the texture on your turtle shell. You will also learn the art of applique, using fabrics to create depth and dimension within your piece. This piece will be constructed on two separate pieces of fabric (provided) and then stitched together to form your turtle.

All of the materials for this course will be sent out to you. You will need a 10 inch seat frame or an equivalent embroidery frame or slate frame for this class. You will need to supply your own embroidery equipment (scissors, needle threaders, daylight lights etc) to suit your learning needs. 

Shipping

Please note that any additional products in your order will be sent with your class kit within the time frame stated below. To receive these items sooner please place this order separately to your course booking.

All International Parcels will be shipped via express courier two weeks before this class is due to start. Please do not book onto this course if you are within the two week window before the course starts and you live outside of the UK. UK parcels will be shipped three days before the course is due to start. UK parcels will be shipped express via Royal Mail. Please note that the address that you book the course with will be the address that the kit is sent out to. Shipping will be calculated at the checkout. 

Zoom & WhatsApp

Our online courses are delivered via Zoom using a high quality visualiser. Please download Zoom before the course begins. We also have an accompanying WhatsApp group for each of our courses. This group enables you to connect with other students and the tutor by sharing photos of your designs and progress. Please download WhatsApp before the course starts. All of our online course sessions are recorded and sent out after the class so you are able to access the lesson should you be unable to attend. 

For guides on how to download Zoom and WhatsApp please see our guides on out FAQ page here

PO Boxes/Third Party Couriers

Please avoid placing orders to PO Boxes or third party courier companies, Hand & Lock cannot be held responsible for replacing kits, delays or additional costs that this may cause. 

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

Tutor Profiles

Our bespoke classes are taught by expert hand embroiderers who have worked in the couture industry for brands such as Alexander McQueen, Chanel, Dior, Valentino, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, YSL, Givenchy, Dolce & Gabbana, Schiaparelli, Lanvin and Burberry to name a few. The classes will cover the basics, insider tips and practical application making sure students are fully equipped to go on and apply what they have learned to their own garments and develop their own unique styles. Our tutors are professional embroiderers first and tutors second, meaning they are able to give you a unique insight into the magical world of couture hand embroidery. 

Read more about our amazing tutors here

Teaching Style

Hand & Lock’s embroidery courses are renowned for their welcoming, community-focused atmosphere, where students of all levels are embraced as part of the Hand & Lock family. With small class sizes and attentive, personable tutors, every student receives tailored guidance and encouragement to help them achieve their creative goals. The school fosters a supportive environment where camaraderie flourishes and lifelong friendships are often formed over a shared passion for embroidery. Students frequently remark on the approachable nature of the tutors, who go above and beyond to share their expertise while celebrating each individual's progress. Beyond technical instruction, Hand & Lock creates a space where creativity thrives and students leave not just with enhanced skills but with cherished memories of collaboration, inspiration and a true sense of belonging to an extraordinary community.

Testimonials

If you would like to hear from some of our past students you can read our testimonials here.

For more information about our courses check out our FAQ page here.