Beginner's Guide to Blackwork

by Lesley Wilkins

Overview

Inspired by the past, Lesley Wilkins illustrates her techniques with a whole host of wonderful designs - flowers, plants, birds, animals and figures. She covers everything - from what materials to use and working with a chart, to getting started and how to stitch. Patterns are created by small stitched units which are combined in many different ways - some heavily textured, some delicate and light. Borders can be built up by repeating and joining motifs Clear step-by-step photographs accompany the author's comprehensive instructions, and the motifs, borders, fill-in patterns and images are all charted, with inspirational pictures of embroideries showing how to build up finished designs.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781782217893
Publisher:	Search Press
Publication date:	03/18/2020
Pages:	64
Sales rank:	456,125
Product dimensions:	7.80(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Lesley Wilkins discovered blackwork samplers on a school visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and has been hooked ever since. Her fascination with the craft has led her to become not only an embroiderer of extraordinary skill, but also an expert in the history of blackwork. She has collected thousands of patterns from all over the world, and her own work is inspired by historical motifs, patterns and borders. Her designs have appeared in Needlecraft and Needlework magazines. When she is not working in local government, Lesley runs a website for blackwork and Victorian cross stitch enthusiasts, providing custom-made kits and charts of her own designs.

Table of Contents

Introduction 6

Materials & Equipment 8

Design 14

Using Charts 18

Getting Started 20

Flowers and Plants 30

Figures, Birds and Animals 34

Fill-In Patterns 36

Borders 46

Mounting Your Work 58

Index 64

Editorial Reviews

Postcard Reviews March 2020

Blackwork embroidery gives such a stunning effect and can be used to embellish a specific piece by choosing particular motifs or you can make cushions, wall hangings and samplers.
With this kind of embroidery, the trick is to get the back looking identical to the front. Although this is not a necessary requirement, I do think it gives an extra sense of achievement if it can be done.
The designs in this book are amazing. Some are very simple and others have a look of intricacy in them. There are figures, flowers, borders and much much more, this gives a lot of inspiration if you want to design your own piece. I loved the alphabet designs and the idea of adding colour to the Black work gives an elegant feel.
Fabric choices are aida, renewable and hardanger and a selection of threads are recommended.
This is a craft for every level of expertise, the author gives a very comprehensive lesson in the art. From choosing and placing your designs to framing your finished piece, you are guided step by step through the process.
5*/5

From the Publisher