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Cardboard padding icon
Cardboard padding

  • Guimped embroidery
Cardboard padding main image

Cardboard padding is used to raise metal or other threads when a crisp, rigid outline is desired.  It often features in Victorian ecclesiastical embroidery.

 

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Applied Couched Raised Parallel Laid Embellishment Filling Padding Goldwork

Cardboard padding is generously sponsored by Marcel Bak

Method

Removing the tacking can be an advantage when covering with finer metal threads for a smoother finish.

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1
Cardboard padding method stage 1 illustration
Cardboard padding method stage 1 photograph
1

After cutting the desired shape in card, tack into position with a herringbone stitch using a fine thread. Start at the widest point or the centre and work outwards. Return to the centre and complete.

Herringbone stitch
2
Cardboard padding method stage 2 illustration
Cardboard padding method stage 2 photograph
2

Leaving a long tail end, lay a goldwork thread over the card.

3
Cardboard padding method stage 3 illustration
Cardboard padding method stage 3 photograph
3

Angle the needle out from under the card and couch over the goldwork thread. Angle the needle back under the card so that the goldwork thread pulls in tight to the edge of the card.

4
Cardboard padding method stage 4 illustration
Cardboard padding method stage 4 photograph
4

Repeat at the other side of the card.

5
Cardboard padding method stage 5 illustration
Cardboard padding method stage 5 photograph
5

Work alternate stitches either side of the cardboard, turning the goldwork thread back and forth over the padding.

6
Cardboard padding method stage 6 illustration
Cardboard padding method stage 6 photograph
6

Continue to cover the card with the goldwork thread. The herringbone stitch can be left in place or removed as you work over the card.

Cardboard padding

Structure of stitch

Applied Couched Raised Parallel Laid

Common uses

This method of working is most often used in ecclesiastical embroidery.  It should only be used where the embroidery will not be required to bend and when it won’t be subjected to damp conditions.  Historically, vellum or parchment were used to create similar padding.

Embellishment Filling Padding

Embroidery Techniques

Goldwork

Related Stitches

Padding (goldwork) Guimped embroidery Couched Raised Band

References

Examples of Cardboard padding

Goldwork with floral motifs

The sharp edges of the padding indicate that it is worked in cardboard.

RSN Collection