Getting acquainted with blackwork

Katherine of Aragon is said to have introduced this historical stitch to the court of Henry VIII where it was known as Spanishwork.

Working black silk thread on white linen, the embroidery was used to decorate collars, cuffs and caps.  After Katherine’s divorce from Henry in 1533 it became known as blackwork.

Blackwork counted-thread embroidery consists of outlines filled with geometric patterns.

The geometric fill patterns are best worked on even-weave fabric such as Aida or Hardanger but any even-weave fabric is suitable.

Using a fine needlepoint needle, outlines are worked in two threads or a thicker thread such as perle cotton. Stranded embroidery cotton is used for geometric fill patterns. Contemporary blackwork can be worked in any colour and can include beads, sequins or metallic thread.

Tonal shading is achieved by using either one or two threads.