An introduction to blackwork embroidery

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.

What Other Visitors Have Asked

A Beginner's Question
I'm a beginner at embroidery. Is it practical to begin with blackwork, which is what I'd love to learn to do?

Thank you for any advice you can give ...

Blackwork book
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
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
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 ...

Stole on Pearl
Could I use the same technique on a cross stitch I am doing I wonder? I'm stitching Lavender and Lace 'The Wedding' and I was looking at the photograph ...

Blackwork Fill Patterns
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
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
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....

First Blackwork Project
- and I need your help! Not rated yet
I have just received your "Blackwork Dogs Needlecase" kit for my birthday, and it's my first blackwork project. I'm afraid I don't quite understand the ...

What stitch do I use for the dragon Not rated yet
Hi, I'm new to blackwork and I'm about to start the Blackwotk Oriental Dragan pattern of your sister site X-Calibre but I can't figure out what stch is ...

Blackwork count Not rated yet
I am using Zweigart Belfast linen 32 count how many threads to the stitch. Thank you Margaret.

Carol answers...

I am not totally sure that I understand ...

Half stitches Not rated yet
I have get confused with half stitches. I have 28 count linen
cross stitch up two over two.

With half stitches how do I now which way they should ...

Fill pattern in Pearl's Dress Not rated yet
I bought your kit for "Pearl" and have completed all the outlines in double running stitch , however no matter how many methods I have tried for the ...

Celtic (Welsh) Blackwork Not rated yet
I would like to do a piece of Blackwork with a Welsh flavour for my fiance, however the only things I've seen are a Welsh alphabet sampler and a Welsh ...

How to carry threads in Blackwork rooster Not rated yet
I just found this ste yesterday and purchased your beginner book on Blackwork and also the rooster pattern .

Today while looking at the pattern I ...

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....