Blackwork Embroidery - Patterns to inspire you!

blackwork embroideries

Blackwork embroideries result from different styles of embroideries worked with threads and fabrics. Equal to cross-stitch, blackwork embroidery can be worked with more than one or two threads in the fabric.

Today, blackwork is worked on woven cloth, Hardanger cloth, Aida cloth, and more. It is very important to say that blackwork embroidery is not limited to black threads. In modern blackwork embroidery threads of other colors can be used.

The best threads to embroider blackwork are twisted, cotton and silk. For beginner embroiderers, the most suitable thread is simple twisted cotton. The most experienced embroiderers can use twisted eyelet silk and floche type cotton threads and Perlé cottons.

Tapestry needles are best for blackwork embroidery.

In addition to the threads and needles that are essential supplies, the hoop is very useful to maintain the tension of the fabric.

The main stitches used in blackwork embroidery are the backstitch and the Holbein stitch (the ideal stitch if the blackwork is meant to be seen from both sides of the fabric). The Holbein stitch looks the same on the front and back of the fabric. But, there are other stitches that can be used: the stem stitch and the cross stitch.

Patterns for blackwork embroidery

Like cross stitch, blackwork embroidery patterns are laid out on a grid and are very easy to follow.

Once you begin to understand the fill pattern sequence, it's just a matter of applying that repeated sequence to the area to be covered. So, there are blackwork designs that are not completely gridded and understand each other very well.

Next, you can see 18 patterns for blackwork embroidery. If you don't like the pattern designs, you can modify some stitch sequences to your liking.

18 designs to embroider...