Goldwork appliques give a vestment the ornament it has carried for centuries: metal threads couched and stitched by hand, catching the light the way flat embroidery cannot. These appliques are embroidered in metal threads, from gold bullion to imitation Japanese gold, some on velvet, some over a painted or printed canvas ground, and they are made to be sewn onto a chasuble back, a cope hood, a frontal, a pulpit fall or a stole as the central emblem of a set.
The symbols run through the church year: the Agnus Dei and the Chi Rho; the Alpha and Omega; the descending dove for Pentecost and baptisms; the Trinity symbol in three sizes; crosses twined with wheat and grapes, a jeweled bullion cross on velvet in gold on gold, red, white or burgundy, or silver on silver, and a plain goldwork cross from an inch and a quarter to eight inches. The figures include the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Immaculate Heart and the Immaculate Conception, Our Lady of Lourdes and Our Lady of Sorrows, St. Joseph with the Child, the Nativity, the Madonna and Child, Christ Victorious, the Crucifixion, and the crucifix with the twelve Apostles.
Many pieces are made to order, so allow time for their making when you plan a set, and ask us if you would like a stole or frontal made to carry one. The threads themselves are in our goldwork thread collection, and the iron-on crosses are with the other appliques.
Questions about goldwork appliques
How are goldwork appliques attached?
By hand: gold twist or imitation Japanese thread is couched around the edge, and the card backing stays in place. One piece here, the grape and wheat cross, has an iron-on backing and still needs tacking down.
How are they cared for?
Ask us before cleaning any vestment that carries goldwork, and we will work out the treatment for that piece with you.
