What is Blackwork embroidery?
Blackwork is a form of embroidery that generally uses black threads, although other colours can be used. It is formed of repeating geometric patterns and is usually used to fill in shapes and create different textures.
How to do Blackwork embroidery?
Print off the pdf chart and familiarise yourself with it. You will see that it is printed on a grid made up of 10 x 10 larger squares. You can identify the center of the pattern by the black arrows on the edge of the pattern.
Blackwork is stitched on fabric that also has the same woven grid effect, for example aida or even weave. Aida comes in different counts, most commonly 14 count. Which means for every 14 squares it is equal to 1 inch of fabric. I create all my designs using 14 count as my base fabric.
You then simply follow the design, counting the square on the pattern and stitching the corresponding design onto your fabric.
What is the difference between blackwork and cross stitch?
The main difference is that the design is not made up of x stitches which forms the basis of cross stitch. Similarities are that the both are stitched on evenly woven grid formed fabrics.
Is blackwork faster than cross stitch?
It depends on who you ask! Many people claim that blackwork is quicker that cross stitch as it becomes intuitive how the pattern is formed on the fabric. Others prefer the regularity of cross stitch. Try both and decide which you personally find faster!
Want to get started with Blackwork?
Check out these free patterns:
- Blackwork Spoon pattern (free)
- FREE Blackwork Frog Embroidery Pattern
- FREE Blackwork embroidery reindeer pattern
- Free Blackwork Robin embroidery pattern
- Greyhound blackwork embroidery pattern
