Spanish Blackwork

Blackwork Hystory

Historically, blackwork was used on shirts and chemises or smocks in England from the time of Henry VIII. The common name "Spanish work" craft was based on the belief that Catherine of Aragon brought many blackwork garments with her from Spain, and portraits of the later 15th and early 16th centuries show black embroidery or other trim on Spanish chemises. Black embroidery was known in England before 1500. Geoffrey Chaucer in the Canterbury Tales describes the clothing of the miller's wife, Alison: "Of white, too, was the dainty smock she wore, embroidered at the collar all about with coal-black silk, alike within and out." Blackwork in silk on linen was the most common domestic embroidery technique for clothing (shirts, smocks, sleeves, ruffs, and caps) and for household items such as cushion covers throughout the reign of Elizabeth I, but it lost its popularity by the 17th century. ( wikipedia.org ) Craft, Craft and more Craft coming soon.

 

Spanish Blackwork Book 6

 

The New Anchor Book of Blackwork Embroidery Stitches

 

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Blackwork is a counted thread embroidery technique in which repetitive patterns are used to fill outlined areas. This book covers the materials and equipment needed, the essential stitches, and outlines in step-by-step detail the working of 49 infill patterns. It is sure to become an indispensable reference for stitchers. Blackwork was originally so called because black thread was most often used on white fabrics, but many of the 16 original charted designs provided show how this technique can just as effectively be worked with coloured threads on coloured fabrics. The beautiful designs include ringing Christmas bells, a charming country cottage, delicate florais and an exotic oriental fan and kimono. There are also ideas for how the delightful designs can be used to create a selection of small projects. 

 

 

 

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