Introduction to Historical Blackwork Embroidery Tutorial | Patterns and Step by Step Instructions

Learn about blackwork embroidery, also known as double-running stitch or Holbein stitch, from potentially as early as the Egyptian (medieval) period up through the 16th century (Tudor and Elizabethan times).

Blackwork embroidery was made popular in Tudor England by King Henry VIII's first wife, Katherine of Aragon. Prior to Henry VIII's and Katherine's divorce, this embroidery had been commonly referred to as Spanish stitch (since Katherine was Spanish). After their divorce, the term blackwork was adopted for use to describe this particular type of embroidery (rather than the previously used term of Spanish stitch).

Discover where to locate historical patterns, how to recreate these patterns, and watch step by step instructions on how create this lovely embroidery. Also follow along with a step by step tutorial on how to dress a slate frame to use for your embroidery.

A slate frame is a historic type of embroidery frame that has been around for centuries. This specific type of embroidery frame keeps the tension on the fabric even without warping the fabric, like a hoop frame would. A slate frame is typically made from wood. It has two horizontal bars and two vertical bars (also known as stretcher bars). The stretcher bars have holes with pegs or notches to hold the horizontal bars in position, to keep the fabric taut.

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Picture credits: Jesse Weber, Verena Entenwirth, and Serena Kimbalwyke

For anyone curious about what exactly the 'SCA' is -- The Society for Creative Anachronism is an international, non-profit educational organization that studies and recreates the medieval and Renaissance years of 600-1600AD.

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#blackwork #embroidery #CosTuber

[LynneFairchild]

What else would you like to learn about blackwork embroidery?

[grannylyn]

What a wonderful video! I've learned so much! Thank you!

[pqgala]

Se ve muy bonita esta labor queda muy fino.❤😂🎉😊

[mw]

I am impressed by the slow speed of delivery, which gives us time to look without having to halt the video, but have only seen a small portion so far. When I will knuckle down to more than 2 hours is anyone's guess as my interest is slightly later, and my needlework is largely behind me.
You ask (about 7:00) about pronunciation of 'soie perlée' and 'soie ovale'. Both are French, 'Soie' meaning silk. It sounds like 'swa' or 'swah'. 'Perlée' is like 'pair-lay' and means pearl or pearly, so I guess has a slight sheen? 'Ovale' is oval but with the val more elongated - sort of 'ohvalle', which you pretty well had.
Hope this helps.

[veronicarivero]

A lot of super valuable information, thank you very much :)