Royal School of Needlework: Applique Techniques, projects and pure inspiration

New from the Royal School of Needlework (RSN), this contemporary guide to the art of appliqué is written by Kate Cross, one of their trained experts and teachers. It is the first in a new series designed to showcase the traditional techniques, technical excellence and contemporary flair of the RSN, and provide practical guidance and inspiration.

The book features an introduction to the RSN and its prestigious heritage. It reveals the history and context of appliqué and showcases galleries of inspiring appliqué work from around the world. But as well as featuring a rich selection of inspiring appliqué pieces, this is primarily a practical, instructional guide that offers a complete grounding in all essential appliqué techniques: it contains a comprehensive stitch guide and leads the reader through each technique using clear step-by-step photography and easy-to-follow expert guidance. It shows the reader how to knot thread and start stitching correctly, how to create a design, transfer it onto fabric, frame up a slate frame, build up, cut away, apply a variety of edges and apply fabric, as well as basic ribbonwork, goldwork, shadow work and silk shading. The book contains two beautiful projects that put these techniques into practice. 

The book is flexibound, so will lay flat when open, making it handy for use while sewing.

After completing a degree in Art, Kate Cross achieved a distinction on the three-year Graduate Apprentice Scheme at the Royal School of Needlework (RSN). Whilst at the RSN, she was trained to the highest level of technical excellence in hand embroidery. After completing her apprenticeship, she achieved a PGCE; she teaches on the RSN’s Certificate and Diploma courses and also teaches hand embroidery to both groups and individuals.

Kate has worked on some prestigious projects, including working as part of the RSN team on the Duchess of Cambridge’s Wedding dress. Her company, Bespoke Embroidery, a customer-focused business, allows her to continue what she does best - creating and teaching technical hand embroidery.

The Royal School of Needlework 6
Introduction to appliqué 8
History of appliqué 10
Fabrics 14
Tools 17
Getting started 22
Design 30
Order of work 32
Transferring your design 34
Essential starting techniques 38
Principles of building up 40
Padding: layering up 42
Applying fabrics 48
Adding texture and interest 53
Using adhesives 56
Edging 60
Silk shading 70
72 Fern
Fern: in detail 78
Appliqué inspiration 80
Ribbonwork 86
Using metal threads 88
Beading 92
Cutting away 93
94 Poppy
Poppy: in detail 100
Appliqué inspiration 103
Using sheer fabric for appliqué and shadow-work 108
Reference 112
Embroidery stitches 112
Needles 126
Suppliers and further reading 127
Glossary and Index 128