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 - Fish Click image to enlarge

    Blackwork Beast - Fish

    Simple blackwork project worked on 26-count ivory linen

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    £4.99

    Code: 281

  • Blackwork Beast - Pig Click image to enlarge

    Blackwork Beast - Pig

    Simple blackwork design on Dublin 26-count linen

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    £4.99

    Code: 281

  • Blackwork Beast - Koala Click image to enlarge

    Blackwork Beast - Koala

    Simpler blackwork design on Dublin 26-count linen in ivory

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    £4.99

    Code: 281

  • Blackwork Beast - Butterfly Click image to enlarge

    Blackwork Beast - Butterfly

    Simple blackwork design worked on Dublin 26-count ivory linen

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    £4.99

    Code: 281

  • Blackwork Beast - Hippo Click image to enlarge

    Blackwork Beast - Hippo

    Simple blackwork project worked on 26-count ivory linen

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    £4.99

    Code: 281

  • Blackwork Beast - Owl Click image to enlarge

    Blackwork Beast - Owl

    Simple blackwork design worked on Dublin 26-count ivory linen

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    £4.99

    Code: 281

  • Blackwork Band, Pinkeep and Needlebook Click image to enlarge

    Blackwork Band, Pinkeep and Needlebook

    A bumper pack of blackwork projects. Work the little band sampler and the needlebook adding the pinkeep for good measure

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    £21.00

    Code: 383

  • 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.

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    £18.00

    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

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    £18.00

    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

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    £22.00

    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

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    £7.00

    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

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    £7.00

    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

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    £7.00

    Code: 471C

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