Blackwork Companion: Book 3 – Pattern Coordination
Altherr, Ilse
self, Lancaster PA, 1999
ISBN# 0-9624090-1-4
This pamphlet, 3rd in a series, stresses the importance of coordinating patterns within a design. While artistically pleasing to the modern eye, it does not necessary relate to historical blackwork. This book is useful in understanding pattern relationship for design and the techniques are transferable. SB
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Blackwork: A new Approach
Blackwork: A new Approach
Day, Brenda
Guild of Master Craftsman Publications, East Sussex, 2000
ISBN# 1-86108-148-0
Good book to help understand the technique and application of filling motifs. Well rooted in traditional blackwork, not all patterns are pre-1600. SB
Beginner
Blackwork
Blackwork
Hogg, Becky
Search Press 2010
ISBN# 978-1-8448-5512
A small spiral bound book with modern images. Produced by the Royal School of Needlework, briefly covers history and materials. Covers basic running stitch and has many patterns. Nice section on shading and design. JR
Beginner – Intermediate
Blackwork
Blackwork
Gostelow, Mary
Dover, Mineola, 1976
ISBN# 0-486-40178-2
Wonderful overview of blackwork and how it was used on costume. Space is spent on how blackwork was portrayed by painters during the 16th C which is very helpful in learning what makes a piece look authentic. One of the few books which discusses curvilinear blackwork and pictorial blackwork. SB
Intermediate
Blackwork
Blackwork
Barnett, Lesley
Simon & Schuster Australia/Search Press Ltd., Australia/Kent, 1996
ISBN# 0-7318-0607-7
Good book for understanding methods of changing the effect of the patterns – stitch pattern families, thread use, number of stitches within a pattern, etc. Most of the book has a very modern bent, but useful to the designer. SB
Advanced
Assisi Embroidery Technique and 42 Charted Designs
Assisi Embroidery Technique and 42 Charted Designs
Ness, Pamela Miller
Dover Publications Inc., New York, 1979
ISBN# 0-486-23743-5
Excellent overview of technique. The patterns are mix of modern items and adaptation of period patterns. This is a good starter book. SB
Beginner
Assisi Embroidery: Old Italian Cross Stitch Designs
Assisi Embroidery: Old Italian Cross Stitch Designs
Leszner, Eva Maria
B. T. Batsford Ltd., London, 1988
ISBN# 0-7134-5595-0
Book has lots of designs which have their roots in 16th and 17th C. designs. Good explanation of interrelationship of blackwork techniques stitches and the use of cross stitch to make the designs work. However, the author uses cross stitch exclusively as part of the voided design instead of long arm cross stitch or running stitches. SB
Intermediate
Assisi Embroideries
Assisi Embroideries
Jane Zimmerman
self published, Richmond CA, 1977
This was originally produced for one of her classes. A good overview of the technique. The patterns are her own adaptations primarily from modern cross stitch patterns. SB
Intermediate
Another 100 Blackwork Charts
Another 100 Blackwork Charts
Skinner, Linn
self, Los Angeles, 1997
100 patterns taken from 16th and 17th C. textiles. For ease of description she has given them names, but don’t let that confuse you. Excellent source. SB
Beginner
500 Alphabets in Cross Stitch
500 Alphabets in Cross Stitch
Hasler, Julie
David & Charles, Devon UK, 1998
ISBN# 0-7153-0610-3
While not historical patterns, the charting is useful in planning out alphabethical markings. SB
Beginner