Silk Shading Christmas Robin Hand Embroidery Kit by The Bluebird Embroidery Co.

Silk Shading Christmas Robin Hand Embroidery Kit by The Bluebird Embroidery Co.

It's finally finished! I have just completed the worked sample of my Christmas Robin design which will be taught at the Royal School of Needlework next month (May 2026) as an Introduction to Silk Shading class. The little festive bird perched on a string of fairy lights.

Learn the beautiful embroidery technique of silk shading to create this festive Christmas Robin design. Fine stranded cotton threads are used to delicately blend between colours and to build up the texture of feathers.

This simple design will introduce you to split stitch, satin stitch and long and short stitch, all of which are essential when creating a piece of silk shading.

Silk Shading refers to the hand embroidery technique which uses a variety of long and short stitches and colour blending in stranded cotton or silk threads. Often referred to as painting with a needle, this technique can be used to create realistic texture, shading and enables the embroiderer to create designs which have a life-like quality.

This kit includes all of the threads, fabrics and needles required to complete this beautiful hand embroidery design and the clear instruction booklet with step by step photographs will guide you easily through your project.

The dark green duchess satin fabric is provided with the design already printed on for you.

Materials included in the kit: Dark green duchess satin fabric, DMC stranded cotton threads and needles.

Difficulty level: Intermediate

Design dimensions: 8.5cm x 6.5cm

Additional equipment required: 6 inch ring frame and embroidery scissors.