Bordado de Guimarães is a traditional embroidery style from the town of Guimarães in northern Portugal. It is a richly textured technique, characterized by dense surface stitching, including many bullion knots and eyelets.

This project focuses on the drawn thread work variation of the style, in which a structured framework is created first by withdrawing threads from the ground fabric. The remaining threads are then wrapped to form bars, creating an openwork grid that echoes the raised texture of the bullion knots. Decorative surface embroidery is worked within the square spaces that this drawn thread framework creates.

This approach combines elements of both counted and surface embroidery, and is most often stitched in white thread on white linen. The project will be worked on 38-count linen (38 threads per inch in both warp and weft) using No. 8 pearl cotton.

Join whitework specialist Yvette Stanton to learn more about this beautiful style of traditional embroidery.

Date
Thursday, April 23rd, 2026

Time
12:00-2:30 pm ET

Location
Zoom, a link will be sent to participants the day before class

Cost
$75

Recording

All sessions will be recorded. A link to the recording will be emailed to all those who register following the live session. This link is live for three months.

Class Materials

• 38 count linen, white, 10 x 10 or 12 x 12 inches (to fit a 6 or 7 inch hoop)

• Pearl cotton 8, blanc

• No 24 tapestry needle

• No 4 milliners needle

• Water soluble pencil (No Frixion pens!)

• Sharp, finely-pointed embroidery scissors (these NEED to be sharp and finely pointed or the cutting of threads will not go well. Yvette recommends ringlock embroidery scissors

• 6 or 7 inch embroidery hoop

• Pins