Why Call It Blackwork?
Scoular, Marion
self, Duluth GA, 1993
If I could only have one how-to blackwork, this would be it. From tips on tension and flow, to how-to read a pattern and chart your course, this book has invaluable information. Caution when looking at her sense of “filling” as it is very modern, but wonderful hints on compensating stitches for filling patterns. Also contains a number of patterns some of which are period for us. SB
Beginner
Posts categoriezed as Counted Thread
Variety Book No. 4
Variety Book No. 4
Testa, Carmela
Carmela Testa Co. Inc., Boston, 1927
This pamphlet has several wonderful patterns which are from the Mosaic of Duomo of Assisi. However, the methodology presented and the addition of modern hardanger patterns to decorate the pieces make this pamphlet of limited usefullness to the historic embroiderer. SB
Intermediate
The Proper Stitch: A Guide for Counted Thread – The Needle’s Prayse
The Proper Stitch: A Guide for Counted Thread – The Needle’s Prayse
O’Steen, Darlene
Symbol of Excellence Publishers Inc., Birmingham, 1994
ISBN# 0-932437-03-6
If you can find this book buy it!!!! It is THE best book for learning the majority of stitches seen in 16th and 17th C. samplers. The book has wonderfully clear diagrams. Descriptions and diagrams show how to reverse stitches and do them diagonally. SB
Beginner
The New Dictionary of Counted-Thread Embroidery Stitches
The New Dictionary of Counted-Thread Embroidery Stitches
Goldberg, Rhoda Ochser
Three Rivers Press, New York, 1998
ISBN# 0-517-88663-4
Excellent Beginners books for blackwork, assisi, and pattern darning. Lots of clear pictures, descriptions which include thread, cloth and needle size. While some of the patterns and fabrics are not period, the step is not a long one if you’ve learned from this book. SB
Beginner
The Art of English Blackwork
The Art of English Blackwork
Zimmerman, Jane D.
self, Richmond CA, 1996
ISBN# 0-9646219-1-6
100s of patterns and variations. Unfortunately sources for the patterns are absent. There is a little description of how-to, but this book is best approached with a fair understanding of how to dissect a pattern (see Altherr).SB
Intermediate
The Art of Blackwork Embroidery
The Art of Blackwork Embroidery
Drysdale, Rosemary
Charles Scribner’s Sons, New York, 1975
ISBN# 0-684-14330-5
Good technique and pattern book for the relatively new blackworker. Some of the patterns have historical sources. Unfortunately, the patterns are not broken down as to flow of stitches and may be bit difficult without some experience. SB (rec(recommended by IB)
Intermediate
Stitches for Counted Thread Embroidery – Vol. 1 Flat Stitches – Vol. 2 Dimensional Stitches
Stitches for Counted Thread Embroidery – Vol. 1 Flat Stitches – Vol. 2 Dimensional Stitches published on Read more posts by the author of Stitches for Counted Thread Embroidery – Vol. 1 Flat Stitches – Vol. 2 Dimensional Stitches, wkneedleNo Comments on Stitches for Counted Thread Embroidery – Vol. 1 Flat Stitches – Vol. 2 Dimensional Stitches
Stitches for Counted Thread Embroidery – Vol. 1 Flat Stitches – Vol. 2 Dimensional Stitches
Shipp, Mary D.
HG Systems Inc., Bath, 1995
Good books of stitch – how to. Each stitch is clearly shown, in words, diagrams, step-by-step examples, and finished work. Good book to systematically learn stitches and their uses. Used for some of the EGA corespondence course and qualification levels. SB
Beginner
Ricami d’Assisi 2
Ricami d’Assisi 2
Mani Di Fata, ed
I Lavori Femmininili Di Mani di Fata, Milan, 1999
An Italian pamphlet with charted designs of traditional assisi patterns and colors. However, traditional in this case is 18th C although these patterns have their roots in historical patterns. This pamphlet is one of the closest I’ve found to actually charting the patterns from historical textiles and is quite available. SB
Beginner
Reversible Blackwork: Book 1
Reversible Blackwork: Book 1
Altherr, Ilse
self, 1978, Chester NJ, 1985
One of the best on how-to do blackwork. She begins with fabric, threads, pattern transfer, and stitches. With stitches she carefully explains how to do the pattern to achieve the reversible style. While a Beginner could use this pamphlet, a slightly more experienced stitcher will find the book easier to use. SB
Intermediate
Medieval Cross Stitch Samplers
Medieval Cross Stitch Samplers
Wainwright, Angela
Cassell, London, 1995
ISBN# 0-304-34442-7
The designs in here are best described as “period-esque”. This is a fun book, but not a historical one. SB
Beginner