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Ready to try blackwork?

A choice of two books

If you are a beginner to this counted thread technique then you might want to start by taking a look at Blackwork For Beginners, my handy ebook.

With eight mini patterns, tips and instructions, it will get you up and running in no time.

If you prefer to have a printed book you also have that option.

Blackwork Stitch by Stitch, in addition to the pages in the ebook, has an extra section full of over 50 different fill patterns and diagrams of how to stitch them.


Blackwork basics

If you want to jump straight in, keep reading! First, you might want to know whether to start with the outlines or the fill patterns. Or what stitch to use - double running stitch or backstitch?

If you have more questions why not use the forum at the bottom of this page to ask for help?


Ready to have a go?

Those questions answered are you ready to have a go? Take a look at my...

free beginner's blackwork chart
harvest time coaster
blackwork bookmark with celtic embroidery
shaded pears design

If the freebies above get you hooked on blackwork you will find lots of my designs within the pages of this site, that you can download instantly and stitch!


Downloadable Blackwork Designs

blackwork-samplers (3K) Traditionally this embroidery technique was used for geometric bands and motifs and a sampler is a great way to learn and practise the intricate looking patterns.

My sampler patterns include a chess board, cushions (or pillows) and even a pincushion made up of little motifs that you could use for individual projects such as miniature cushions for a dolls house.


blackwork-kits-for-beginners (2K) Want step by step instructions? With these three beginner designs, I walk you through how to stitch each pattern.
blackwork-embroidery-kits (2K) Weekenders - for those with limited time, this range includes a Clarice Cliff design, a blackwork butterfly in red, a tortoise, a snail and a pretty calla lily (worked in white thread on black fabric for a stunning effect).

Mini Blackwork Windmill Windmills - A set of three small designs based on different types of windmills. Worked in blue threads reminiscent of Delft china.

blackwork-flowers (3K) Flowers - Floral portraits of a rose, a fuchsia, a waterlily and irises.

Various shading techniques are used in these blackwork flower patterns to add depth to the designs.

blackwork-ladies (2K) Figures - from the 1920's and 30's. Best sellers!

small-blackwork-knight (3K) Medieval designs featuring a knight on horseback and a demure medieval lady.

blackwork-animals (3K) Animals - Portraits of an elephant, a rhino, a goose and a rooster.

The rooster is suitable for those with limited experience, while the others use shading techniques to bring them to life.

blackwork-assisi-embroidery (3K) Blackwork Assisi Embroidery - a new twist on a traditional style of embroidery. Stitch blackwork cats, dogs and swans and frame them or make them into needle cases.
fantasy-blackwork (2K) Fantasy - We all need a bit of fantasy in our lives don't we? Why not satisfy your dreams with these designs of a mermaid sitting by the ocean or a dramatic oriental dragon.

oriental-blackwork-lady (2K) Oriental ladies - The first Japanese lady 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.

christmas-blackwork (3K) Christmas - these designs will get you in the festive mood

Also a collection of quick-to-stitch coasters.

blackwork-and-cross-stitch (2K) Lacemakers - Are you a lacemaker? Or do you have a friend that makes bobbin lace?
fleur-de-lis (1K) Fleur de lis - Three designs based on the traditional motif


Show and tell

Whichever you choose, enjoy stitching the design and then perhaps come back and tell others about the experience and share a photo or two of your work.

After all, half the pleasure in stitching something, is in getting the compliments from family and friends once it is completed and on show.


Ask a question about blackwork embroidery

If you are new to a type of needlework such as blackwork then you may have questions you want to ask. Take this opportunity to get the answers you need, or to help other visitors by answering their questions.

Give your question a title

What Other Visitors Have Asked

Click below to see questions (and answers) from other visitors to this page...

Blackwork book  starstarstarstarstar
Is there a good instructional book on 'Blackwork' that shows you how to pick-out the 'pathways' or 'journeys'? Also, is it necessary to create a pattern ...

chart interface with aida fabric  starstarstarstarstar
As a beginner in Blackwork I am confused by the chart showing squares of 10 x 10 small squares within a 'frame' while the Aida fabric shows 14 x 14 small ...

Quick question about blackwork  starstarstarstarstar
Hello thank you in advance for taking the time to help answer my question. I'm a cross stitcher and am trying to do blackwork now,

I have a wonderful ...

Blackwork Fill Patterns  starstarstarstarstar
Hi Carol,

Do you make up all your fill patterns for blackwork out of your head? Also, are there any places one can go to get blackwork fill patterns ...

printed blackwork book  starstarstarstarstar
I would like to send a money order for a hard copy for the Beginners for Blackwork? Is this possible? Thank you.

blackwork cuff on an italian renaissance gown  starstarstarstarstar
I'm about to start a copy of a renaissance gown of Eleonora of toledo. I Found this very small painting in Berlin and at once decided to make this costume....

Where can I get this blackwork kit  Not rated yet
Hi, i have recently seen this blackwork framed picture for sale on ebay and would love to try stitching it myself. I have asked the lady who is selling ...

Don't Understand Directions  Not rated yet
I don't understand the directions for the fill pattern 'Arrows and Diamonds'. How is it that one is suppose to create the 'horizontal' pathways without ...

double running stitch direction  Not rated yet
Question: When doing a running stitch for blackwork, how does one determine which direction to follow. Leaves off stems, items that are separated, etc....


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I'm so glad I discovered your site!

I've recently decided to explore blackwork which is very appealing to me. Your tips and explanations have been very helpful in getting me started.

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

Melissa from California


I love it!

Your pages are very nice and interesting.

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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