Blackwork

RSN Essential Stitch Guides

by Becky Hogg

Exquisite and timeless, the needlework portrayed in these guides promotes the Royal School of Needlework’s mission to keep the art of hand embroidery alive in the 21st century. Focusing on some of the oldest and most essential stitches and patterns, the books in this craft series are spiral-bound and lay flat on the table. Step-by-step photographic instructions on framing and transferring designs are included, as are introductory histories to each technique. Sections of patterns, along with pictures of finished pieces that demonstrate how to correctly use the patterns, help crafters take their needlework to new heights of artistry.

Blackwork—the technique of stitching black thread onto white- or cream-colored linen and using shading and outlining to create dramatic effects—is the focus of this stunning needlework manual.

Genres: Crafts, Reference, Nonfiction

96 pages, Hardcover

First published January 11, 2011

Reviews

[The other Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a lot of interesting fill patterns, but no instructions on how to navigate paths through them. The instructions it does have vary widely between overly simplistic (how to backstitch a straight line) and overly complicated (how to sew your fabric into a wooden slate frame prior to stitching).

[Quietgirl255 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best way for me to describe this book is that it is inspirational eye candy, and little else. It starts off with a brief history of blackwork. It covers basic stitches used in Blackwork , which are basic embroidery stitches. I was a little disappointed they didn't show a reverse of some the stitches, to show how tradition blackwork was suitable for decorative elements on clothing (such as sleeves).

Then follows 37 Blackwork diapers ( the actual little "decorative pattern") which give you an idea of the types of stitches/fillers that can be used. They are really cool to look at, it just doesn't exactly tell you how they are accomplished. I could probably muddle through it by looking at the picture, but if I wanted to replicate it myself line drawings would be more useful.

What was cool to me was to see more modern pieces using Blackwork. It was neat to see an old technique like this used to create beautiful images of things like tigers, penguins and faces.

The problem is....it makes me want to learn how to do Blackwork, and there is nothing in the book that teaches me. No simple design to try out, no, check out this book in the series to learn it, or anything. One is left full of inspiration and is left wanting.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was good. Though compared to the others in this series doesn't have a huge amount of information relkating to this type of stitching. It comes with fill patterns and it shows basic techniques. The example photos though ARE DEVINE!

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great introduction to the craft, and very inspiring too! Accessible to beginners.

[Missy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring and instructional at the same time! What a talent! Nice exercises for practicing stitch technique. And I love the book layout and the spiral binding. I already have my own projects planned.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great reference book to a lot of basic blackwork stitches, materials to use and design techniques. Spiral bound it will also stay open for reference while working. Some beautiful embroidery examples were photographed for it too.

[Kathryn Bedford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has enough information to get you started with the technique and it is one that I come back to again and again for inspiration.

[Contrariwise · Rating 5 out of 5]

A concise guide that balances information about the basic stitches with tips for planning larger pieces and manipulating stitches to create an artistic piece.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice guide for those new to blackwork, giving an overview of the history, stitch patterns and shading techniques. Recommended