Blackwork Embroidery Primer

Blackwork gets its name from the black silk thread traditionally used in this form of counted thread embroidery. Blackwork has been through many incarnations, but the most common types employ simple stitches to create complex scrolling or geometric patterns. The first such patterns were comprised of all horizontal and vertical stitches, without any diagonal lines to make shifts. All turns were at a forty-five degree angle which gave it a very square look. Today, virtually all Blackwork patterns employ diagonal stitched for style and design purposes. Red silk was the most popular alternative color and such work was sometimes referred to as Scarletwork. Because it is a counted method that requires precise geometric alignment, even weave (same number of warp and weft fibers per inch) fabric such as linen is the best choice. Blackwork employs just a few simple stitches to create complex designs with great eye appeal.