The Fabulous Gold Embroidery of Spain by Barbara James

On a trip to the Andalucia region of Southern Spain I was struck by the dazzling and intricate pure gold hand embroidery on garments. This opulent “gold work” is often used on the bull ring garments of the matadors and the vestments of the Roman Catholic church. The method employed by the embroiderers, to decorate these garments, is called couching. Precious gold treads are laid onto the surface of the fabric and then secured with silk embroidery thread in a satin stitch. These couched gold threads can cover larger motifs and backgrounds and makes quite an impact to the viewer. 

 
Embroidered pant leg on a matador's garment

                                    Two opulent pieces from the Roman Catholic church