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As part of our ongoing series exploring traditional and contemporary hand embroidery techniques, we’ve created this guide to thread painting. Traditionally known as silk shading, we’re here to explore one of the most refined and painterly forms of stitch. Across this series, we examine not only how techniques are worked,
There is a moment many makers recognise, when curiosity is there but confidence is not, when ideas begin but never quite reach the finish line. Lynne West came to us with years of creative exploration behind her and a long held desire to truly understand machine embroidery, not just how
There is something quietly compelling about embroidery that slows you down. It asks you to look longer, to notice small shifts in colour, texture and light. And few contemporary embroidery artists capture that sense of stillness as convincingly as Cassandra Dias. Working in thread-painted landscapes, Cassandra’s embroidery sits in an
This article was originally published in 2022 and updated in 2026 to include our podcast conversation with Cassandra Dias. Cassandra Dias is a true inspiration. As a new artist who has only been stitching for two years she honed her skills to establish a successful collection of work and an impressive
For Cecilia, embroidery has always been part of her life. She grew up in Brazil surrounded by creativity, with a mother who encouraged making and a grandmother who worked intricate tambour embroidery into carnival costumes. From an early age, working with her hands felt natural, and embroidery in particular became
When Trinity Nevil enrolled on our Hand Embroidery Skill Stage 3 course, she arrived with curiosity, determination, and a quiet hunger for depth. Her experience of embroidery until that point had been largely self taught, shaped by cross stitch, basic surface techniques, and hours spent studying and emulating work she
Some conversations stay with you because they articulate things you already feel but have never quite put into words. This episode is one of those. In this edition of Textile Talk, we are joined by textile artist and educator Kandy G Lopez, whose monumental stitched portraits are as emotionally charged
Blackwork embroidery is one of the most elegant and mesmerising forms of stitched textiles. With its bold monochrome palette, geometric precision and rich cultural history, it has captivated makers for centuries. Unlike thread painting, which builds depth through long and short stitch blending, blackwork achieves visual interest through pattern density
Crewelwork embroidery – or simply crewelwork or crewel embroidery – is one of the most characterful and expressive techniques in the world of stitched textiles. Loved for its bold texture, flowing lines and gorgeous wool threads, it has been delighting makers for centuries. Crewelwork embroidery feels both historic and wonderfully
Lorraine Duff’s journey into hand embroidery didn’t begin with years of creative confidence. In fact, she often said she didn’t have a creative bone in her body. Yet during lockdown, while completely housebound and searching for connection, she picked up a needle and thread and discovered a new world of
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