Hand and Lock Goldwork Video Tutorials

I've just discovered that Hand and Lock, the UK specialist embroidery company, is posting goldwork tutorials on their YouTube channel.

https://www.youtube.com/@handandlocklondon1767/videos

If you want to brush up your goldwork techniques or just are curious, these folks know all there is to know about stitch with metal threads.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 8, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

All About Metal Threads

Tanja Berlin, the fabulous Canandian embroiderer who is a master of needle painted animals, also knows a lot about metal threads.  Her website has a pretty good summary that's free.

https://berlinembroidery.com/metal-thread-info/

She also has a nice PDF document for sale on her website that coveres metal threads extensively if you are exploring their use for goldwork and other types of needlework using metal threads.

https://berlinembroidery.com/product/metal-thread-information-pdf-file/

She also sells tools and materials needed for goldwork but sales are temporarily on hold because her dad is ill and Tanja herself is still recovering from a hip replacement.  Send her your good wishes, order the PDF if you like (she can sell those even though she's away from home caring for her parents), and hold off on ordering supplies for a bit until she's back home.

Good luck, Tanja!  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright January 3, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Metal Threads Embroidery Scissors with Large Finger Holes

Thistle Threads just got a shipment of Italian scissors for goldwork for their online shop.
https://thistle-threads.myshopify.com/products/goldwork-scissors-large-fingerholes

These have serrated blades to make cutting metal threads easier and the finger holes are larger than usual, which is nice for arthritic fingers.  But if you want these, act NOW.  Due to the coronavirus and the importance of not going to the post office constantly, Thistle Threads is going to stop orders at midnight, Sunday March 22.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 21, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

New Books on Goldwork and Metal Thread Embroidery UPDATED

This is a particularly great time to pick up new books on goldwork and metal thread embroidery.  Kay Stanis, a master of silk and metal embroidery, has released a book! It's called Techniques of Metal Thread Embroidery and for $30, it looks like a real bargain.  You can purchase it from her website and it will be on Amazon shortly if it isn't available already.
https://www.the-gilded-edge.com/book-techniques-of-metal-thread-embroidery/techniques-of-metal-thread-embroidery-by-kay-stanis

If you aren't certain if you are interested, explore Kay's website.  You can see her classes, purchase metal and silk threads, and explore techniques.  She's wildly talented, folks. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy.
https://www.the-gilded-edge.com/levels

Alison Cole is well known for her goldwork.  She has two books out on it already and a third called The Goldwork Masterclass, is just out.
https://www.inspirationsstudios.com/product/the-goldwork-masterclass/

You can hear more about the newest book on the Fiber Talk podcast.
https://wetalkfiber.com/tag/goldwork-masterclass/

I have her first book and it is gorgeous!  Alison is in Australia but you can still order her books in the USA or work via her website.  There's a link to where to buy in the Fiber Talk link above.
https://alisoncoleembroidery.com.au

UPDATE:  Here is a review of Alison's book.
https://www.jessicagrimm.com/blog/book-review-the-goldwork-masterclass

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 14, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Blame It on Prince Harry

I don't stitch with metal threads much although I have a limited amount of Gilt Sylke Twist I have put away for a special project and there's a small stash of bullion and perle just waiting for another day in my stash. I have heard that it's hard to get Gilt Sylke Twist right now, though.  Tricia Nguyen (who imports Gilt Sylke Twist and colored twist and other English threads from their manufacturers) explains why.
http://thistle-threads.blogspot.com/2018/05/a-brief-needlework-interruption.html

By now you've seen photos of the Royal Wedding and probably know exactly to blame—Prince Harry and the wedding party!  Better stock up after the wedding rush is over.

Here's Tricia's website…
https://thistle-threads.myshopify.com

…and here is Tanja Berlin's.
https://berlinembroidery.com/product-category/hand-embroidery-supplies/goldwork-supplies/

Plus here is Needle in a Haystack's.
http://www.needlestack.com/WebStore/thread.html

All these online shops have wonderful threads for your stitching pleasure, not just metallics.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 16, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Plunging the Ends to the Back Side

Anna Scott's latest embroidery use metal threads for accents, so she has to figure out how to plunge the ends of this rather fat thread to the back and secure them well.  I thought you'd find it interesting how she uses a loop to lasso the end to yank them to the back and then unwraps the metallic foil to secure the back side.  Personally I'd be very worried about unwrapping the thread on the back as it might start to unwrap on the front but all this is food for thought.  After all, we have wired threads and beading wire, not to mention goldwork threads, to handle in our stitching lives.
http://annascottembroidery.blogspot.com/2018/02/i-really-should-know-better.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 22, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Rubber Bands Versus Pop Tops

In the eternal question, Rubber Bands Versus Pop Tops, Kreink comes firmly down on the side of pop tops!  So do as they suggest and protect your metal threads from contact with rubber.
http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2018/01/never-do-this-with-your-rubber-bands.html

By the way, I was terribly embarrassed decades ago to realize that the reason I couldn't get the thread to come off the Kreinik spool is that I didn't know the top came up!  Pretty funny now.  Many thanks to the kind folks at the ANG email list who enlightened me as to the reason and solution.

As Kreinik says, "Safe and Sane Storage Forever!"

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
 Copyright January 30, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The New Berlin Embroidery Designs Website

Seems like every time I turn around another designer is updating their website! This time it is Tanja Berlin Designs.  Tanja is a very skilled embroiderer who designs and teaches blackwork, needle painting, counted canvaswork, and goldwork.
https://berlinembroidery.com

She is a great source for metal threads used in goldwork and elsewhere, and has added a great information page about these threads for folks who are trying to learn more about them.  If you want to know the difference between gimp cord and Grecian twists, this is the place.   You can compare pearl purl to jaceron and learn all the sizes of bright bullion she carries.  It's a great resource, one I've added to the Tutorials and Tips tab for later easy reference.
https://berlinembroidery.com/metal-thread-info/

You can download the metal threads information as a PDF file for a small fee. Think of it as buying a booklet on goldwork threads!
https://berlinembroidery.com/blog/metal-thread-information-pdf-file/

She's added a blog to the mix, too!
https://berlinembroidery.com/blog/

Thanks for all the work, Tanja!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright October 3, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tips on Using Metallic Threads

Kreinik recently answered a question on Facebook about how to best use blending filament and got plenty of tips from stitchers on how to handle their blending filament and other types of metallics they sell. The tips are all summarized on their blog. Thanks, Dena!
http://www.kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2012/10/stitching-tips-from-experts-you.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 31, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Lion and The Unicorn UPDATED

Some of Benton and Johnson's gold work kits are on sale, but that's not really why I posted the link to their shop today.   I want you to put your cursor over the lion and then the unicorn pieces on this page, then click on Quick View.  You will see the amazing dimension achieved in these animal images from basically straight stitches and some padding with a bit of embellishment (like a sequin mane).
https://www.thetoyeshop.com/benton-johnson/benton-johnson/embroidery-kits.html

I find all this very inspiring!

Have fun looking at it all.  Metal embroidery like this is wonderful.

UPDATE: Mary Corbet explains what you'll find inside one of the B and J gold work kits.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2015/03/goldwork-kits-from-benton-johnson.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 6, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Threadaholic Alert: Coloured Spiral from Golden Hinde (and more)

This message is for all my fellow threadaholics--Mary Corbet has found something called coloured spiral at the Golden Hinde website in the UK. 
http://www.needlenthread.com/2014/12/mesmerized-by-thread-2.html

I know you "need" some because I "need" some, too!  Spiral Posh, anyone?
http://www.golden-hinde.co.uk/Gold-Work/1768/goldwork-embroidery-supplies-coloured-spiral.html

By the way, if this is a little too thick or wide for your current canvas, check out what Julia Snyder did with Access Commodities' silk wrapped purl in a class for Bedecked and Beadazzled.
http://www.notyourgrandmothersneedlepoint.com/2014/12/be-merry.html

Parma Violet, anyone?
http://www.hedgehoghandworks.com/catalog/metal_threads_silk_wrapped_pearl_purl.php

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright December 4, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Goldwork Supreme

This morning Mary Corbet treated us to some fantastic goldwork photographs. This beauty is from the talented hands of Cristina Badillo. There are links to her website and more photos of goldwork to enjoy via Pinterest, too.  The various effects the different types of metallic threads gives never stops amazing me.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2013/08/fantastic-goldwork-by-cristina-badillo.html

If you would like to see examples of some of the gold threads Cristina used, visit Hedgehog Handworks and browse the various sections to read descriptions and see closeup photos.
http://www.hedgehoghandworks.com/catalog/metal_threads_index.php

By the way, Mary also went into detail about some of the threads Cristina used which are not normally used in the U.S. or Britain for goldwork. Interesting!
http://www.needlenthread.com/2013/08/goldwork-threads-from-spain-close-up.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
@ Copyright 2013 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Silk Purls From Benton and Johnson

I thought you would also like to read a bit about Benton and Johnson's new colored silk purl.  In the photo of it used on embroidery, look for the shaded green topknot thing.  That's the silk purls.
http://www.theunbrokenthread.com/blog/2013/01/11/benton-and-johnson-silk-purl/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Tracy Franklin's Goldwork Sampler

Thanks to Anna, I have a link to Tracy Franklin's goldwork sampler, which was published in Stitch magazine and is now a free chart on the magazine website.  What is interesting about this sampler are the many different ways you can use metal threads that Tracy shows.  If you are looking for something different, this will give you lots of ideas.
http://www.embroiderersguild.com/stitch/projects/goldwork/index.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Doug's in Town

Doug Kreinik is bringing his silk and metal thread show to The Needlepointer September 21-22. If you will be near the shop during that time, sign up for his presentation. You'll have a blast, guaranteed!
http://www.theneedlepointer.com/special_events.php

Here's a bit more about what to expect.  Remember to tell Doug from me that if I were stranded on an island with only one thread, Kreinik would be it.
http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2012/09/meet-doug-kreinik.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Scissors Just for Metallics?

Kreink says yes!
http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2012/03/which-scissors-should-you-use-with.html

Personally, I agree with them.  Even my non-metallic Kreinik threads seem to dull my scissors more than regular threads, so I have a pair of scissors set aside just to cut metallic type threads.  There is a special type of scissors with a serrated blade made especially for metallics but since I don't do a lot of metal thread embroidery, I just have a pair of regular embroidery scissors that are for metallic threads only.  If you are interested, however, here's some information about the special metallic threads scissors.
http://www.nordicneedle.com/305-371-1525.html

They've also researched the originals of stork scissors.  If you are curious, read this.  Kreinik's having a scissors sale, by the way.  They are wholesale only but you can ask your local shop to order at sale prices if you hurry.
http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2012/03/spring-scissor-sale-and-thing-or-two.html


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Curious About Metal Threads? UPDATED

We aren't exactly ignorant of the beauty of metal threads used in goldwork here in Chilly Hollow but we haven't taken a class ever so it is great fun to learn more about how these threads are used.  Kathy is making a sachet and using metal thread embroidery for the holly leaves at the base.  It's fun to watch her use a piece of check like a flexible bead to make the holly outline.  She gives us tips on working with Benton and Johnson's check, too.
http://www.theunbrokenthread.com/blog/2010/12/10/green-check-holly-how-to/

If you are curious about Benton and Johnson threads, here is their website.  Check is listed under Wire Threads, but don't skip Embroidery Threads.  That's where coloured twist lives and coloured twist is one of my favorite threads EVER!
http://www.bentonandjohnson.com/

One of the mysterious topics related to goldwork is the use of beeswax to condition the thread that is used to attach the metal threads (or beads for that matter).  I've never known exactly how to properly wax my threads but Mary Corbet Tells All right here.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2010/12/beeswax-for-needlework.html

On another topic altogether, the end of December marks the end of the tax year for Americans.  Whichever side of the debate on extending the Bush tax cuts you are on, most of us can reduce our tax burden by charitable donations.  These have to be done by the end of December to count toward the 2010 tax return we'll be filling out in early 2011.  If you want to make a charitable donation but have no idea where, Tricia Nguyen has an idea.  Give money, even a little money, to museums so they won't be placed in the position of having to sell off important parts of their collection to keep their doors open.  Let me turn Blog over to Tricia so she can explain this better than I ever could--
http://thistle-threads.com.mytempweb.com/blog/index.php/2010/12/sampler-sale/

UPDATE:  Here is a series of articles about the Benton and Johnson factory and how their metal threads are made.  Fascinating!
http://www.theunbrokenthread.com/blog/2010/10/25/benton-and-johnson/

http://www.theunbrokenthread.com/blog/2010/11/04/benton-and-johnson-2-drawing-the-wire/

http://www.theunbrokenthread.com/blog/2010/11/12/benton-and-johnson-3-purls-and-bullions/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com Archived Yahoo 360 postings at http://profiles.yahoo.com/chillyhollow