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Black work
Black Work
Black work is a technique of embroidery that is done entirely in one colour thread, usually black. It is normally sewn onto white or natural coloured evenweave linen. The shading and details are represented not by a change in colour but by a change in stitch type. The more dense stitches are used for shading. It is not a new style of embroidery; it has been around for a very long time. Black work has been mentioned in English history as far back as the 14th Century. Black work is used as decoration on clothing, household linens and of course as pieces of artwork. This style has also been referred to in History as Spanish Work. It was used a lot in Spain as edging on hankies, collars and shirt cuffs. Later on Black work was used to decorate the whole of women’s clothing.
Black work patterns are usually made up from straight lines. Therefore a lot of the stitches that look incredibly complicated are simpler to embroider than you might think. The straight stitches are sewn vertically, horizontally or diagonally. It is due to this design feature that black work can be stitched so that it can be viewed from either side of the piece.
What do you need?
Fabric: As stated before you would normally use evenweave linen for this type of embroidery. The higher the count of the linen the finer it is, and therefore the more detail is possible within your embroidery.
Needle: This varies depending on the fabric that you choose. On the whole it is recommended that you use a size 10 or 12 sharp or perhaps a crewel needle.
Thread: Traditionally it would be silk thread used in this style of embroidery. In Black work you can use different thicknesses of thread to achieve a different look for various filling patterns.
There are plenty of wonderful patterns available now for Black work embroidery. It produces a very distinct and beautiful result.
Stitches:
Running Stitch – when reversible it is called Holbein Stitch or Double Running Stitch
Stem Outline Stitch
Pekinese Stitch
Reversible Cross Stitch
Seeding – also called speckling
Darning
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