Introduction to Goldwork Embroidery by the Royal School of Needlework

RSN Introduction to Goldwork is a self-paced online video course from the Royal School of Needlework, taught by RSN tutor Becky Hogg. You stitch a hellebore flower design using metal threads and silk, learning couching, cutwork, chipping, padding and how to plunge metal thread ends. The course costs £130, and that price includes a kit of professional-grade materials posted to you. Access lasts 12 months from purchase. There is no tutor feedback, and the course cannot be bought by customers in the European Union.

Goldwork is one of the oldest and most recognisable forms of hand embroidery, and it is usually taught in person because the metal threads behave so differently from cotton or silk. The RSN's online courses try to bring that classroom experience home with high-definition video filmed from several angles. Each one is designed as the equivalent of an RSN embroidery class where the design is supplied for you and mounting is not taught.

What You Will Learn

The course introduces the core techniques of goldwork through a single finished piece. According to the official page, you will learn:

• Herringbone stitch and couching metal threads in place
• Cutwork and chipping with cut lengths of metal thread
• Padding to give the design raised areas
• Plunging metal thread ends through the fabric
• Working with spangles, smooth passing and pearl purl
• Some silk shading alongside the metalwork

Who Is RSN Introduction to Goldwork For?

The official page says the course is suitable for all levels, and the RSN describes its online courses as designed for everyone from complete beginners to experienced stitchers. It suits embroiderers who want to try metal threads for the first time, makers interested in heritage techniques, and anyone who cannot easily reach an RSN class in person.

It is not a route to a qualification. The RSN states that these online courses are not equivalent to its Certificate and Diploma. It also does not suit anyone who wants personal correction from a tutor, as explained below.

Course Structure

The course is built around one project, the hellebore, which you work from start to finish while following the videos. The format is the same across the RSN's online courses:

• Video lessons: HD video from multiple angles, led by an RSN tutor
• Materials kit: an exclusive kit of professional-grade materials, posted to you; the course cannot be ordered without it, and kits ship within five working days
• Your own pace: watch and rewatch as often as you need during your access period
• Devices: the course runs in a web browser on a computer, tablet or phone

The design is supplied, and mounting the finished piece is not covered. The official page does not give a running time or lesson count, so check it for those details.

Price and Access

RSN Introduction to Goldwork costs £130, including the materials kit. The listing we checked also showed a figure of £170, so confirm the current price on the official page before buying. Prices are set in pounds sterling; a US dollar figure on the site is only an estimate. Access is unlimited for 12 months from purchase and can be extended for a further 12 months on request. Because of EU VAT rules on digital content, the RSN does not sell these courses to customers in the European Union.

About the Instructor

Becky Hogg is an RSN tutor and leads this goldwork course. The Royal School of Needlework is a UK school dedicated to hand embroidery, and its online courses are taught by its own tutors.

Things to Consider

• No tutor feedback: there is no interaction with or feedback from the tutor. You can connect with other students in a private Facebook group.
• EU customers: if you live in the European Union, you cannot buy this course.
• Kit and delivery: the kit is compulsory and posted to you, so allow time for delivery before you start.
• Access window: 12 months is generous for one project, but ask for the extension if you need it.
• Finishing: mounting is not taught, so plan how you will frame or mount the piece.
• Next steps: RSN Introduction to Silk Shading is a natural companion, since this design already uses some silk shading.

Start the Course

Interested in learning with the Royal School of Needlework?

Start Introduction to Goldwork Embroidery

For the full syllabus and pricing, visit the official Royal School of Needlework website.

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Last verified: November 12, 2026