Candlewick Embroidery Workshop

Immerse yourself in the traditional north American embroidery practice of candlewicking with Gay Toome who will introduce you to the origins of this colonial needlework, how and why it came about, and some embroidery examples. 

After that, you will start your own candlewick embroidery. 

Step by step Gay will show you what materials to use, how to transfer your chosen pattern or design onto fabric and how to stitch the traditional colonial knot, along with backstitch. 

By the end of the session you will have produced your own candlewick embroidered sample.

What is candlewick embroidery?

Practiced by European settlers in north America, candlewick embroidery is a variation of whitework embroidery. According to historical accounts, during the westward migration thread and other sewing materials were scarce, but vital resources, such as candle-making supplies provided settlers with the basic thread (soft-spun candle wicking fibre) to decoratively stitch onto unbleached muslin. Even so, in the day, this remained a costly needlework craft. To save costs candlewicking was limited to colonial knots (similar to French knots) sewn closely together, along with backstitch to create decorative outlines. These outlines (embroidered motifs or designs) were not filled-in, leaving the remaining cloth without stitching. The tone-on-tone (e.g. white-on-white) backstitch and colonial knots used less thread, were sturdier and held up to repeated use and washing. Today candlewicking employs a variety of colours and designs but the traditional knots and stitches have remained.

About the workshop facilitator:

Gay learnt to embroider and knit from her mother as a child. This developed in adulthood with tapestry, spinning and sewing, also learnt from her mother. Later on, in 2000, Gay's mother-in-law, Clare, taught her to candlewick as a way to repurpose calico bread mix bags. Since then, Gay has developed a deep interest in this embroidery technique, and her profession as a teacher inspired her to research candlewicking's pioneer origins. Alongside candlewicking Gay continues to try new textile techniques and shares what she has learnt with others. This comes from connecting with other creatives during community craft gatherings. The social aspect of craft groups is important to Gay, especially now that traditional generational learning is on the decline. Learning from others and passing those skills on is a way to keep traditional textile crafts alive.

What you need to know

• Suitable for beginners 16 years and older (Some needle work experience required).
• We supply most materials. However please consider bringing embroidery thread, perle cotton, or finer crochet cotton in your favourite colours.
• Also consider supplying your own 20cm embroidery hoop if you wish to take it home at the end of the session.
• If your circumstances change and you can no longer attend this workshop, please email nvouis@ahc.sa.gov.au before 5pm, Friday 26 June 2025. After this time and date we cannot issue refunds.
• Bring your own preferred snacks. Tea, coffee and biscuits provided.

This workshop is presented as part of Fabrik's Heritage Workshop Program, a series of skills development and cultural knowledge-sharing workshops hosted by makers who reflect the rich heritage of our diverse communities and their interests.

We are currently looking for makers who may wish to share their inherited or culturally diverse creative skills. Find out how to apply here.

Inclusion in the Fabrik mailing list

By registering for a Fabrik workshop or event your name and email address will be added to our contact list. This means from time to time you will receive Fabrik program updates by email. If you wish to opt out, please email the Public Programs Officer (nvouis@ahc.sa.gov.au) directly with Contact List Opt-Out in the subject heading and your full name in the message.

All images: examples of candlewick embroidery supplied by the artist. Stitch density and wider colour range are modern-day interpretations of candlewicking.