Masterclass: Couching Gold Embroidery with Hester Dennissen

An Ottoman Bosnian bridal jacket

This richly embroidered jacket, a üçetek entari (a jacket with three skirts), comes from a noble family in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The üçetek entari features an open collar, long sleeves, and high slits in the skirt. The entari was popular in the Balkans. This jacket displays Balkan design elements such as a deep U-shaped neckline and a tailored fit with a wide skirt. The passementerie on the skirt, the edges, and the sleeves of the jacket also feature regional Balkan characteristics. Such fashionable Ottoman garments were worn at important events in the 19th and 20th centuries, sometimes as bridal attire.

Masterclass Gold Embroidery: Couching

During this masterclass, you will create a gold embroidery piece inspired by the embroidery of the bridal jacket: flowers tied together with a bow, the pattern of the Ottoman bridal jacket. These details will be embroidered on turquoise satin. The displayed bridal jacket will also be examined and discussed during the masterclass. By the end of the class, you will have practiced two couching techniques, securing frisée and attaching sequins in various ways. You will be introduced to various gold embroidery materials and receive a wealth of information about materials and techniques. To participate in this masterclass, familiarity with needle and thread is necessary, and it is an advantage if you enjoy intricate work. If you have no embroidery experience at all, this masterclass may not be suitable for you, but you do not need to be an experienced embroiderer. Please bring your reading glasses and thimble if you use them (note: varifocal or bifocal glasses are unsuitable as embroidery requires a different posture than reading!)