Skip to content

Document Header

Why Call It Blackwork?

Why Call It Blackwork? published on No Comments on Why Call It Blackwork?

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

Variety Book No. 4

Variety Book No. 4 published on No Comments on 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 published on No Comments on 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 published on No Comments on 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 published on No Comments on 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 published on No Comments on 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 No 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 published on No Comments on 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 published on No Comments on 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

Primary Sidebar

Social Share Buttons and Icons powered by Ultimatelysocial