Blackwork Basics – Cross-Stitch

Blackwork is one of my favorite styles of embroidery – of course, I usually just use backstitch when I am doing it because with cross-stitch, it’s all the same, right? Well, not really, and I read a post recently that did a great job at explaining how to do proper blackwork. It’s all laid out in Blackwork Basics over at the Byrd’s Nest. Jeanne explains how to do blackwork really well and I plan to print out her tips to use in future projects!

Then Jeanne does even more to help those of us with blackwork envy – she offers some fun Blackwork smalls to stitch. This is definitely a blog to add to your reader, bookmark for later – however you handle it – make sure to visit often to see what Jeanne is stitching or cooking up (she shares some great recipes too!).

Looking for more Blackwork style embroidery patterns and charts? Check out these Blackwork embroidery patterns we found on Etsy.

What defines a pattern as “Blackwork”? Blackwork embroidery is a very old form of counted-thread embroidery. Traditionally it was worked in black silk cotton on white linen. It was used to decorate clothing. Thought to have originated in Spain around the 17th-18th century. There are lot’s of modern-day variations, one being that it is most commonly produced on Aida and not linen.

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Blackwork Embroidery Patterns

If you’re a fan of detailed and colorful cross stitch patterns, Design for Cross Stitch might have a pattern you want to try. This Etsy shop is based in Spain and has more than 50 designs with a focus on animals, holidays and landscapes.

I’m just going to start with the first pattern that caught my eye when I visited the site, which is this Sakura by the Lake project. This pattern is 200 by 200 stitches and the whole background is stitched, so it’s definitely not for a beginner, but it’s stunning and would be amazing to make for someone who loves Japan. Despite the detail it only uses 24 colors. Worked on 14 count fabric it will measure 14.64 inches, or 37.19 cm.

There are a few other landscape designs, including a canal in Venice and a few cabins in the woods.

The shop also has some cute animal cross stitch, with big, round faces and often holding a warm beverage. Holiday projects focus on Christmas and Halloween. Most of the patterns have a cute, chibi-like feel, but there are some that are more detailed and realistic as well. Take for examples the flower patterns, which are full of details and soft colors.

You’ll also find some fun bookmark cross stitch patterns with a watercolor feel, as well as some that look kind of like paint pouring turned into stitches.

If this sort of stuff sounds like fun to you, check out their Etsy store at Design for Cross Stitch.

Do you have a favorite cross stitch designer who I haven’t featured yet? Let me know in the comments or share more about them by clicking on “suggest a DIY” at the center top of the page and let me know the details. I’d love to share the designers you’re enjoying with a wider audience.

[Photo: Design for Cross Stitch]

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