Ready to try blackwork embroidery?

Blackwork could be just the thing if you are you a keen cross stitcher looking for something a bit different? Want to learn how its done? Read on - - -

You may be surprised as you browse through my range of patterns to find that they are not all worked in black thread. Traditionally this type of needlework was carried out in black silk on white linen, but nowadays you can use any combination as long as there is enough contrast between the thread and the colour of the fabric.

Six stranded cotton embroidery floss is most often used for this type of counted hand embroidery, with silk being utilised for really special pieces. Stitching on linen is a luxury not all can afford, so evenweave embroidery fabrics such as Linda, Jobelan and Annabelle are often substituted as is Aida, in various counts.

Equipment you may find useful includes embroidery hoops or frames, a floor stand, scissors, magnification and good lighting. All these are covered on the embroidery supplies page.

How to do blackwork

To help you build up a library of fills I will be regularly adding instructions for how to stitch blackwork fill patterns in double running stitch so that both sides of your work look the same.

To help you get started why not have a go at my free blackwork charts and stitch a pretty flower and then a harvest time coaster. A related technique is pattern darning and you can learn this by adding a border to your coaster.

Moving on to shading this free pears design will introduce ways to add depth and dimension to your work.

All this information, and much more, is covered in detail in my ebook which includes eight patterns to help you get started.

Blackwork patterns and kits

The kits are not mass produced but made up for you specially when you order. This gives you the opportunity to choose a different colour thread or fabric if desired, something the bigger companies cannot offer. Just drop me a note asking if I can make any changes when you order. The fabric included in your kit can be either 14 count Aida or 27 count Linda evenweave. The chart is also included in the kit so you do not need to order that separately.

Perhaps a good place to start is with the starter kits by using their special coloured guidelines to help you work the reversible fills. These include a cute owl, a rocking horse (ideal for a new baby gift) and a sweet rabbit.

If you are short of time and want a quick to stitch design why not check out the Weekenders range featuring a pretty butterfly, a landscape reminiscent of Clarice Cliff, a calla lilly (stitched in white on black fabric), a stencilled effect snail and a tortoise.

Many people love to stitch cards and ornaments for Christmas. Why not pick from a cute robin, sweet angel, a partridge in a pear tree or a bell to chime in the holiday season?

Flowers of course are always popular in any needlework technique. My black work flower patterns include a beatiful rose, irises, a splendid shaded waterlilly, a fuschia using different types of threads and a rose sampler that makes a wonderful needlework bellpull.

Amongst my most popular designs have to be the figures from the 1920's and 1930's. Pearl, wearing her long, backless dress covered in a gossamer stole has stolen many hearts (and I dream of having her figure!). Coral from the 1930's sports a long, pleated skirt and wears elbow length gloves. Flowers adorn her shoulder and she wears a hat upon her head. Jasper, in his smart suit waits by the gramophone for either lady's attention while the group of three in the cafe obviously have much to discuss.

Going further back into history we reach the medieval period. Here the black knight sits astride his steed resplendant in shining armour while Gwendolyn stands looking demure in her gorgeous medieval dress.

We all need a bit of fantasy in our lives don't we? Why not satisfy your dreams with these fantasy designs of a mermaid sitting by the ocean or a dramatic oriental dragon.

Talking of the East, this pair of oriental ladies is sure to delight. The Japanese lady (sorry I wan't feeling inventive when it came to naming her) is wearing a splendid turquoise kimono and standing in the garden amongst the cherry blossom. Keiko wears rich red and gold and carries a paper parasol.

As needleworkers, many of us enjoy many different textile based hobbies. I am a keen lacemaker and had to include some lacemakers in my range. If you do not make lace yourself you may have a friend that does and who would appreciate these special designs.

Portraits don't have to be just of people, these animal studies would grace any wall. Choose from The Sentinel a magnificent African elephant; The Warrior, a sturdy rhino; a barnacle goose or a French style rooster.

And of course no range of designs would be complete without the traditional samplers. Whether finished as framed pictures or made into cushions or pillows these pieces will allow you to incorporate numerous fill patterns in each design. For the keen chess player there is the fantastic blackwork chess board with the chessmen standing around the edge.

Show and tell

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Learn blackwork with me

Blackwork for beginners ebook will teach you all you need to know. All for just $15.00!

I'm so glad I discovered your site!

Thank you for the excellent work that you are doing. I look forward to visiting your site often.

Melissa from California

I love it!

I love your ezine, as I love blackwork. This kind of embroidery is not very common in our country but I hope it will change in the near future. As I am a member in few discussion groups I try to popularize the embroidery on every occasion I can attend:-)

Thank you very much for your work you already done. I'm looking forward for next issues of your ezine.

Jana from Czech Republic

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