Silk Shading Embroidery: Needlepainting Techniques, Projects & Resources


Silk shading, also known as needlepainting, is one of the most painterly embroidery techniques taught at the Royal School of Needlework. On this page I collect all my silk shading projects, from early experiments and free patterns to my RSN Certificate and Diploma work. You’ll find tips on thread blending, progress diaries, and lessons learned from stitching birds, flowers, and more.

This is just the beginning of my silk shading journey — from first animal studies to more advanced Diploma projects, I’ll keep adding new stitches, tips, and stories as they unfold.

Discover the Journey

Explore how I learned silk shading step by step, with projects that helped me understand colour blending, stitch direction, and the patience this technique requires.

Along the journey

Coming soon.

Projects & progress

Malachite Bird Project: A detailed silk shading project by Trish Burr, focused on colour transitions and stitch direction.

Resources & Tutorials

Coming soon.