One of the most important tips I learned is to take it slow and be patient. I found it helpful to make a detailed sketch of my design and use a light box to trace it onto my fabric. For white work, it’s especially important to think through the placement of each stitch and make sure that your pattern is well-balanced. I took the time to properly plan out my design. I also kept a small brush and some rubbing alcohol on hand to clean up any mistakes. The white color makes every little dirt particle and speck of dust stand out, so I made sure to work in a clean, well-lit area. One of the biggest challenges I faced when working with white work was keeping my fabric clean and unstained. White work is a wide phrase that can be used to describe any white-on-white needlework, that is, needlework that employs a white yarn or thread to create a design on a white basis.īut as someone who loves to experiment with different needlework techniques, I was excited to try my hand at white work embroidery. Traditionally worked with white thread on white cloth for wedding and christening apparel, as well as religious needlework.

The phrase “white work” refers to a multitude of methods ranging from Mountmellick and Hardanger stitches to Ayrshire and Fine White needlework. It is the fine delicate embroidery done on white cloth with white thread, as seen on table linen, delicate lingerie, baptism dresses, bridal veils, wedding gowns, handkerchiefs, and so on. The name alone hints at what this stitching is all about.

The white work embroidery is self-explanatory.

Free whitework embroidery patterns