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Create these luxe Chrsitmas decs in unique motifs for your tree this year. We've also added beads for extra sparkle! Goldwork can be traced back over 1,000 years, and in this country it has its roots in church embroidery. It is usually worked on silk or velvet fabrics, although linen is also a popular choice. The technique shows off precious metal threads by lying them on the surface of the fabric where they can be fully seen, and stitching over them. There are a lot of stitches you can use but, as a basic introduction, this project mainly uses couching. Experts use real gold and silver threads, but if you're new to goldwork, it's probably not a good idea to blow the budget on 18-carat gold thread! Opt instead for a metallic cord held down with matching polyester thread.
Make a fish
Go to www.sewmag.co.uk, download the templates and print. Place ivory velvet fabric in an embroidery hoop large enough to accommodate the whole shape of the fish. Pin the template onto the fabric and outline the shape with running stitch, using ordinary sewing thread.
Thread a large crewel needle with turquoise metallic cord or corded elastic and bring it up through the fabric at the top of the fish, just in front of the top fin, then back through the fabric on the line below, to create a dividing line between the head and the body.
Thread a fine needle with coordinating sewing thread and couch the metallic thread to the fabric using small, neat stitches. Outline the body of the fish using the same cord, then use silver cord to outline the fins.
Thread a large crewel needle with silver metallic flat braid and bring it up through the fabric just inside the outline of the body, then lay lengths of it in parallel diagonal lines, filling the body area. Repeat in the opposite direction, crossing the first lines, to make a diamond pattern. Couch using coordinating sewing thread.
Sew four beads at every intersection of the flat braid. Add parallel lines of couched silver thread along the tail. Attach a bead as an eye, and couch a circle of turquoise c
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