Introduction to Blackwork Embroidery | Historical 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).

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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.

0:00 | Introduction
0:50 | Introduction to Blackwork Embroidery
30:11 | Silk Thread Colors for 16th Century Blackwork
37:01 | Step by Step Demonstration
44:47 | Historical Patterns
1:04:10 | Step by Step Instruction
1:25:02 | Dressing a Slate Frame
1:36:54 | Drafting a Pattern
1:38:42 | Step by Step Demonstration
1:52:30 | More Historical Patterns
1:56:12 | Drafting a Pattern on the Computer
2:13:02 | Step by Step Demonstration
2:23:34 | Silk Thread Colors
2:30:54 | Step by Step Demonstration
2:37:31 | Ending

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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.

16th Century Italian Sampler at the V&A Museum:

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#blackwork #embroidery #CosTuber

[LynneFairchild]

What questions do you have about blackwork embroidery?

[EleneriPenneth]

This is incredibly useful and fascinating to look at. Thank you for sharing!

[tasanijanus]

Thank you Lynne. For all your hard work and years of experience that you're sharing with us. We appreciate it 🤗

[TheGabygael]

Soie is prononced something like "swa", perlée and oval were prononced well

[karenmacduff]

Thank you very much for your comprehensive history on black work! I’m watching a second time.