MEG: Blackwork

Applique	Bead Embroidery	Blackwork
Laid Work or Couching	Canvaswork/Counted Thread	Freestyle
Lacis or Netting	Metal Threadwork	Needlelace
Non-European	Openwork	Padded or Raised Work

Description of the Blackwork Category

While many different countries used a style of blackwork embroidery, the SCA has a tendency to think of the style of Blackwork constructed by the Spanish and the English. This style of Blackwork is usually embroidered with black silk thread on white linen. Sometimes red silk is used. The Blackwork of other countries has stylistic differences. (Submitted by Maestra Clare de Estepa)

Blackwork Books

Drysdale, Rosemary. The Art of Blackwork Embroidery. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1975. (Submitted by Maestra Clare de Estepa)

Gostelow, Mary. A World of Embroidery. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1975. (Submitted by Maestra Clare de Estepa)

Out of print. Try a search on the internet for used book stores. Contains information about many different styles, countries, time periods, and stitches.

Geddes, Elisabeth and McNeill. Blackwork Embroidery. New York: Dover Publications, Inc., 1976 (Submitted by Maestra Clare de Estepa)

Affordable in print book with nice references.

Jones, Mary Eirwen. A History of Western Embroidery. New York: Watson-Guptill Publications, 1969. (Submitted by Maestra Clare de Estepa)

Out of print. Try a search on the internet for used book stores. Contains information about many different styles, countries, time periods, and stitches. It is a good book for understanding the overall history of a particular style or country.

Snook, Barbara. The Creative Art of Embroidery. London: Hamlyn Publishing Group Limited, 1972. (Submitted by Maestra Clare de Estepa)

Blackwork Links

The following links are not official links of the Kingdom of Meridies and are not created, maintained, supported, reviewed or otherwise sanctioned in any manner. They are provided as a service to the Populace of Meridies and are offered on an as is basis. You will be leaving the recognized site for the Meridian Embroidery Guild . Please proceed with caution.

Blackworked Embroidery Pouch: An original design by Maestra Clare de Estepa.

Blackwork Embroidery Archives : Original and historically inspired blackwork patterns by Paula Kate Marmor.

Elizabethan Practical Companion - Blackwork Gallery : A gallery collection of portraits in which the people are wearing some type of Blackwork.