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Beginner's Guide to Blackwork
Inspired by the past, Lesley Wilkins illustrates her techniques with a whole host of wonderful designs - flowers, plants, birds, animals and figures. She covers everything - from what materials to use and working with a chart, to getting started and how to stitch. Patterns are created by small stitched units which are combined in many different ways - some heavily textured, some delicate and light. Borders can be built up by repeating and joining motifs Clear step-by-step photographs accompany the author's comprehensive instructions, and the motifs, borders, fill-in patterns and images are all charted, with inspirational pictures of embroideries showing how to build up finished designs.
64 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2002
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102 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 13, 2022
This was exactly what I was looking for.
Only 64 pages long but packed with valuable, helpful information. I've been crafting for over 6 decades, and yes, I already knew some of this. But I wanted to see how to go about creating my own blackwork design, and Lesley Wilkins has sent me happily on my way!
She writes in a way that would allow an industrious, creative 10-year-old to pick up the book and make a good start, but as an older, experienced crafter I was not the least bit insulted by the style.
By far one of the best craft resources I've ever purchased!
Only 64 pages long but packed with valuable, helpful information. I've been crafting for over 6 decades, and yes, I already knew some of this. But I wanted to see how to go about creating my own blackwork design, and Lesley Wilkins has sent me happily on my way!
She writes in a way that would allow an industrious, creative 10-year-old to pick up the book and make a good start, but as an older, experienced crafter I was not the least bit insulted by the style.
By far one of the best craft resources I've ever purchased!
January 19, 2025
I read this more out of an interest in embroidery generally than blackwork specifically. I don't think I'm likely to do any blackwork, but:
- The advice herein is decent and thorough and covers just about everything you could need to know to complete a project.
- Blackwork is evidently a lot more accessible a form of embroidery than I'd realised, being predominantly cross-stitch, back stitch and running stitch. In other words, if you can thread a needle and push it through some fabric, you'll do fine.
- The historical information was the highlight - very interesting.
- The author shows you how to create your own designs in a way that feels entirely achievable.
I have but one complaint - there are quite a few typos, particularly "i" instead of "l".
- The advice herein is decent and thorough and covers just about everything you could need to know to complete a project.
- Blackwork is evidently a lot more accessible a form of embroidery than I'd realised, being predominantly cross-stitch, back stitch and running stitch. In other words, if you can thread a needle and push it through some fabric, you'll do fine.
- The historical information was the highlight - very interesting.
- The author shows you how to create your own designs in a way that feels entirely achievable.
I have but one complaint - there are quite a few typos, particularly "i" instead of "l".
March 7, 2019
Has some lovely designs including flowers, animals, figures, borders, and fill-in patterns. Instructions on choosing materials, centering the design on the fabric, mounting and framing your work. Does not have patterns for Holbein stitch. Great little book; I just wish it was longer.
February 7, 2018
A delightful collection of boarder and space filling patterns, only one page of figures and animals. Excellent reference book otherwise.
November 24, 2018
An easy to read book perfect for the beginner of Blackwork
July 27, 2021
Mostly wanted tips on how to do Holbein/double-running stitch for various fill-in motifs. Didn't see that.
February 14, 2023
Better to go look at the stitch library on the royal school of needlework. The instructions were deeply lacking.
May 21, 2025
A nice book for beginners to this type of embroidery. Lots of photos and blackwork “fill” patterns. A very basic book.
November 22, 2025
Educational
There’s some proofreading issues throughout the book (I’m sure they wouldn’t bother someone less neurotic than I lol), otherwise it was very helpful.
There’s some proofreading issues throughout the book (I’m sure they wouldn’t bother someone less neurotic than I lol), otherwise it was very helpful.
March 25, 2020
Blackwork embroidery gives such a stunning effect and can be used to embellish a specific piece by choosing particular motifs or you can make cushions, wall hangings and samplers.
With this kind of embroidery, the trick is to get the back looking identical to the front. Although this is not a necessary requirement, I do think it gives an extra sense of achievement if it can be done.
The designs in this book are amazing. Some are very simple and others have a look of intricacy in them. There are figures, flowers, borders and much much more, this gives a lot of inspiration if you want to design your own piece. I loved the alphabet designs and the idea of adding colour to the Black work gives an elegant feel.
Fabric choices are aida, renewable and hardanger and a selection of threads are recommended.
This is a craft for every level of expertise, the author gives a very comprehensive lesson in the art. From choosing and placing your designs to framing your finished piece, you are guided step by step through the process.
With this kind of embroidery, the trick is to get the back looking identical to the front. Although this is not a necessary requirement, I do think it gives an extra sense of achievement if it can be done.
The designs in this book are amazing. Some are very simple and others have a look of intricacy in them. There are figures, flowers, borders and much much more, this gives a lot of inspiration if you want to design your own piece. I loved the alphabet designs and the idea of adding colour to the Black work gives an elegant feel.
Fabric choices are aida, renewable and hardanger and a selection of threads are recommended.
This is a craft for every level of expertise, the author gives a very comprehensive lesson in the art. From choosing and placing your designs to framing your finished piece, you are guided step by step through the process.
November 27, 2024
3.5 stars
June 16, 2016
A great book for those looking to get into blackwork embroidery and some fantastic ideas for pieces.
January 2, 2022
Excellent work
I love blackwork but have been winging it. This book is a clear intro with all the designs I could possibly want
I love blackwork but have been winging it. This book is a clear intro with all the designs I could possibly want
April 14, 2022
This is a great introduction to getting started in Blackwork.
June 27, 2022
Lots of points and tips. Patterns to put together oneself rather than preset.
September 7, 2018
Very clear instructions and simple designs that you can complicate to your heart's content.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews