Build, Refine & Master The Art Of Goldwork

When I first discovered Goldwork, I was completely amazed by the shimmer of metal threads, the elegance of the designs, and the technical skill required to bring them to life. As I moved beyond the basics, I found that intermediate techniques such as plate and basketweave couching introduced new challenges. While exciting, they also required greater control, accuracy, and understanding to achieve a clean, neat finish. Learning the small but important details such as the practical hints and tips and careful handling — made all the difference, and I began to feel more assured and confident. I know how it feels to have mastered the foundations yet still struggle to achieve the smoothness and precision you’re aiming for. That’s why I created this Level 2 course: to bridge the gap between basic Goldwork and more advanced practice, removing uncertainty and replacing it with clarity, confidence, and enjoyment in your stitching, whilst introducing a wide range of new techniques.

Course Curriculum

  1. Introduction

  2. What Is Goldwork?

  3. Framing Up The Fabric

  4. Transferring The Design, Stab Stitching & Padding Plan

  5. Level 2, Lesson 1: Carpet Felt, Vilene & Card Padding

  6. Lesson 2: String Padding

About this course

  • £298.00
  • 96 lessons
  • Lifetime Access
  • Detailed Video Lessons

What You'll Learn

Deep Dive Into Goldwork Level 2 guides you through over 10 intermediate Goldwork techniques and builds on the basics covered in level 1 — with clear, supportive, step-by-step teaching.

  • Padding: Covering more advanced and unusal padding techniques such as card and vilene padding, along with carpet felt and hard string which is used for basketweave couching.

  • Integrating and refining: You'll continue to work with familiar materials from level 1 but in more advanced ways such as working passing next to cutwork and over hard string padding.

  • New Materials & techniques: As well as advancing on the basics covered in level 1, you'll also be using new materials such as plate and Elizabethan twist to create a variety of textures.

Why You'll Love It

Designed for those with a solid grounding in Goldwork, this Level 2 deep dive moves beyond foundational techniques to explore more unusual and refined Goldwork methods, supporting you as you deepen your confidence and elevate your skills.

  • Goldwork is dazzling and intricate — but it doesn’t have to be intimidating.

  • This course takes what can seem like an exclusive, expert-only skill and makes it accessible, achievable, and deeply satisfying.

  • Each lesson is designed to help you achieve professional results quickly, with in-depth demonstrations, close-up video, and practical guidance drawn from 20+ years of teaching and professional stitching.

“ Any Deep Dive course is going to improve your technique no end and so much of it is transferable to other embroidery styles too. I'd recommend them to any keen embroiderer and am really looking forward to doing another in the future.”

Elizabeth Braun

“Sara is an excellent teacher. Not only does she show the history and technical execution of stitches and techniques, but she also shows us how to modify and develop the techniques. She supports, advises, and encourages throughout.”

Andrejka

“I’m so happy that I took the plunge (no pun intended) and signed up for the Deep Dive into Goldwork. Sara is an amazing tutor and has thought of everything to make this an enjoyable and achievable course. I would highly recommend Sara and her fabulous course without hesitation.”

Lesley Maw

“I highly recommend this goldwork course. It is suitable for beginners and also for people with experience as it allows for an in depth examination or revision of the techniques covered. Sara is an excellent tutor and the techniques are clearly explained and demonstrated. Having the videos available after the lessons is a great help. ”

Ann Moran

What You'll Recieve

  • Lifetime access

    Lifetime access to all pre-recorded video lessons and content

  • Self-Paced Online Course

    Learn entirely at your own pace — watch, pause, and rewatch anytime

  • Updates

    Ongoing access to updates and bonus materials

  • Video Tutorials

    Clear, informative demonstrations on over 10 Goldwork techniques, taking your through the process step by step

A Quick Note Before You Start

You don’t need to have taken Level 1 to join Level 2 — everyone is welcome! That said, Level 2 builds on certain foundational techniques, so it’s important that you already feel confident with the following: felt padding, soft string padding, basic couching, plunging and tying back, pearl purl, basic cutwork, and chipping. These are not covered in this course, as they are taught in Level 1, so a solid understanding will help you get the most out of Level 2.

Think of it as making sure you have all the essentials in place so you can dive straight into the more intermediate and exciting techniques with ease and confidence!

Imagine This......

  • You’re moving beyond familiar techniques into the quiet confidence of more unusual and refined Goldwork methods.

  • You understand not just how to work with gold, but why each technique behaves as it does.

  • You’ve developed a more discerning eye for materials, technique choice, and finish.

Ready To Begin?

If you’re ready to take your goldwork to the next level, learn from a Royal School of Needlework-trained tutor and Certificate & Diploma Assessor, and finally feel confident in every stitch — this is your invitation.
SIGN UP NOW

FAQ

  • Can Beginners Take This Course?

    This course is suited to students who have a strong understanding of the basic Goldwork techniques, such as felt and soft string padding, couching, chipping, pearl purl and basic cutwork. If you are not familiar with these techniques then I strongly recommend taking level 1 before level 2.

  • What if I have Questions During the Course?

    If you are booked on a Self-Paced class and sign up to be part of the community then you can ask questions and request feedback on your progress. Unfortunately, we are unable to give feedback if you have not.

  • Is a Kit Included with Self-Paced Courses?

    Self Paced Courses do not have a kit and this affords you a fantastic opportunity to delve into your stash and utilise materials and equipment you already have, or even to support a local business and buy your materials directly from them if there are items you don't already have. A detailed materials list and suggested stockist list will also be provided.

  • How do Self-Paced Courses Work?

    The joy of a self-paced course is that you are able to start anytime and work through the content at your own pace. Watch each video as many times as you like.

  • Can I Pay in Instalments?

    Yes you can and the options are listed against each course so you can decide whether to pay in full or use the instalment option.

  • Can I Take Level 2/3 if I haven't completed the Previous Level?

    Yes you can but it requires a strong understanding of the basics covered in Level 1. There is a great deal of information as well as hints and tips covered in Level 1 which will not necessarily be repeated in Levels 2 or 3. Courses are designed to be progressive allowing you to build and develop your skills and confidence level by level.

  • Slate Frame versus Ring Frames - Which is Better?

    This is a personal choice and will vary for each individual based on many factors. However either a slate frame or a hoop can be used for this course with video instructions on how to prepare both included in the course.

  • Cancellations and Refunds

    All classes/private tuition are non-refundable but we do realise there are exceptional circumstances and in those situations, we would hold the monies paid as a credit against a future class. All credit must be used within 12 months. Well Embroidered reserves the right to cancel at any time should the situation necessitate but all efforts will be made to avoid any cancellations. However if this happens you will be offered the choice of an alternative course or a full refund.

  • International Bookings

    All orders will be charged in £UK Pounds Sterling and will be converted to the local currency by your bank/credit card based on the exchange rate on the day you purchased. If your order is declined please contact your bank or credit card provider as there are are times when international payments are blocked.

Meet Your Tutor

Sara Rickards

Well Embroidered was founded by artist and hand embroidery expert, Sara Rickards. As a detail focused creative, Sara works with individuals and businesses to create bespoke hand embroidered pieces as well as sharing her expansive embroidery knowledge with her students so they too, can create incredible one off designs. Sara has spent over 20 years in the industry: her projects have been featured in Stitch magazine, she’s created bespoke pieces for fashion and bridal designers alike, conserved ecclesiastical embroidery and regularly teaches classes for the world renowned experts, the Royal School of Needlework where she trained as an apprentice. Sara is passionate about inspiring her students to create exquisite embroidery and creates bespoke embroidery kits, runs online courses and teaches sell-out classes around the world. She has a talent for clearly explaining the method behind working an embroidery stitch, whilst anticipating potential problems students may have and correcting them before too much unpicking is needed.