Goldwork mistakes and how to avoid them
Gentle tension and neat rows.
- Dented metal: the couching stitch is too tight.
- Wavy lines: keep the pair flat and parallel, without crossing.
- Gaps between rows: work from the outer to the inner edge and angle the needle under the previous row.
- Puckered fabric: use a backing as a stabiliser.
- Water-soluble sheets are not a great idea for metal threads, the School of Stitched Textiles warns.
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The Secret To Perfect Goldwork Edges (Most Stitchers Don't know This!) (18:09)
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All checked 1 November 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.