The Importance of Foundation…
To begin our journey on the correct path, we were taken back to the core stitches with our Crewel Work frames in our technical stitch classes with Lisa Bilby.
Core Stitches:This embroidery frame focused on core stitches within a traditional Crewel Work frame, introduced during my technical stitch classes at the Royal School of Needlework. It marked my first structured approach to embroidery, where I developed a strong foundation in technique, precision, and stitch control. The clarity of instruction, alongside the disciplined structure of the classes and design process, suited my methodical way of working. This experience was particularly meaningful at the beginning of my Bachelor’s degree, as it shaped my appreciation for technical rigor and reinforced my enthusiasm for structured, skill-based learning.
The Process:For the first core stitches frame, we selected four pre-designed floral motifs to incorporate into a stem composition, alongside creating an original motif of our own. This self-designed element became a recurring feature throughout the first-year technical frames, evolving and adapting to suit each new technique learned.
During this project, we developed our first stitch and colour plan, refining it as we learned each technique to ensure thoughtful placement and balanced use of colour throughout the design.
