Blackwork

    I have often been asked to explain the difference between blackwork and backstitch and the answer is to look at the back of the stitching.

    If the stitches have been worked correctly, you will not know the back from the front. In truth, you may find it necessary to combine backstitch and Holbein to prevent ending up at the end of a row with nowhere to go! Double running stitch became known as Holbein stitch because the Dutch painter of the same name was famous for his paintings depicting blackwork on costumes. Traditionally the outline of the pattern is worked first, often in a heavier thread weight and then the filling patterns are worked from the middle of any section.

    • Blackwork Beast - Pig Click image to enlarge

      Blackwork Beast - Pig

      Simple blackwork design on Dublin 26-count linen.

      Read more

      £4.99

      Add to my wish list

      Code: 281

    • Blackwork Beast - Koala Click image to enlarge

      Blackwork Beast - Koala

      Simple blackwork design on Dublin 26-count linen in ivory.

      Read more

      £4.99

      Add to my wish list

      Code: 281

    • Blackwork Beast - Butterfly Click image to enlarge

      Blackwork Beast - Butterfly

      Simple blackwork design worked on Dublin 26-count ivory linen.

      Read more

      £4.99

      Add to my wish list

      Code: 281

    • Blackwork Beast - Hippo Click image to enlarge

      Blackwork Beast - Hippo

      Simple blackwork project worked on 26-count ivory linen.

      Read more

      £4.99

      Add to my wish list

      Code: 281

    • Blackwork Beast - Owl Click image to enlarge

      Blackwork Beast - Owl

      Simple blackwork design worked on Dublin 26-count ivory linen.

      Read more

      £4.99

      Add to my wish list

      Code: 281

    • Blackwork Gardenia Click image to enlarge

      Blackwork Gardenia

      Blackwork but worked in colour – these are a real treat and look lovely finished. The design is worked in a combination of cross stitch, backstitch and Holbein stitch.

      Read more

      £18.99

      Add to my wish list

      Code: 404B

    • Blackwork Poppy Click image to enlarge

      Blackwork Poppy

      Blackwork but worked in colour – these are a real treat and look lovely finished. The outline is stitched first and then the filling stitches are worked in one strand only.

      Read more

      £18.99

      Add to my wish list

      Code: 404C

    • Blackwork House Click image to enlarge

      Blackwork House

      In a traditional sampler style but created in a combination of Holbein stitch. backstitch and cross stitch. Worked on Zweigart 26-count linen.

      Read more

      £22.50

      Add to my wish list

      Code: 407B

    • Fancy Blackwork Flowers - Lily Click image to enlarge

      Fancy Blackwork Flowers - Lily

      Lily blackwork but in colour! Counted from a chart using black stranded cotton (floss) and multicolour threads to great effect.

      Read more

      £8.00

      Add to my wish list

      Code: 471A

    • Fancy Blackwork Flowers - Pansy Click image to enlarge

      Fancy Blackwork Flowers - Pansy

      The perfect start to your experience of blackwork. Worked in a combination of Holbein stitch and backstitch. It combines black stranded cotton (floss), space dyed cotton and gold metallic.

      Read more

      £8.00

      Add to my wish list

      Code: 471B

    • Fancy Blackwork Flowers -Tulip Click image to enlarge

      Fancy Blackwork Flowers -Tulip

      The perfect start to your experience of blackwork. Worked in a combination of Holbein stitch and backstitch. It combines black stranded cotton (floss), space dyed cotton and gold metallic.

      Read more

      £8.00

      Add to my wish list

      Code: 471C

    • Welcome to Blackwork Click image to enlarge

      Welcome to Blackwork

      An ideal way to be introduced to this Tudor technique. Blackwork is worked in back stitch and Holbein stitch on evenweave.

      Read more

      £5.00

      Add to my wish list

      Code: WL/BL

    Pages:
    Your basket

    Your basket is empty

    Delivery will be calculated at checkout

    Edit your basket

    Checkout

    Watch the iSTITCH Video

    Jane's Newsletter

    Cross Stitch Guild App

    Prize Draw

    Chart Shop

    Hide your wish list

    Show your wish list

    Edit your wish list

    Finish editing

    Unfortunately your browser does not support our wish list feature.
    You will need to use a more modern browser such as Firefox, Safari, Google Chrome or Internet Explorer 8.