About RSN Stitch Bank
Padding (goldwork)
This entry covers the various forms of padding which provide structure and sculptural shaping for different goldwork threads. The methods are felt (for subtly raised areas), carpet felt (for large high relief shapes), soft string (for narrow raised motifs), hard string (for basketweave effects) and cardboard (for lettering and other motifs which require sharp edges). Collectively they offer a wealth of choice for the goldworker.
Padding (goldwork) is generously sponsored by Goldwork Guild Gloucestershire in memory of Janice Williams
Method
Felt padding to achieve a raised affect and to give shape to your design. It is an ideal base for Japanese brickwork, couching gold threads, chipping and flat cutwork.
Carpet felt padding for increased areas of shaping that you would not be able to achieve with felt alone.
Soft string padding provides a more intricate and refined shape to create a dramatic sculptural effect for cutwork. Here you can see an example of waxed soft string couched with waxed double thread.
Hard string padding provides a base for couched gold threads and can be used to build different intricate basketweave patterns such as chevron, diamond and stripes.
Cardboard padding provides a raised platform with crisp clean edges for gold threads to be strapped across giving the affect of a smooth satin stitch without taking the metal threads through the fabric. Ideal for lettering etc.
