16th Century Blackwork Embroidery | Needle, Fabric, Frame, Thread, & Pattern

Learn about Holbein Stitch (the earlier form of blackwork embroidery from the 16th century), along with what type of sewing needle to use, fabric, embroidery frame, thread, and how to recreate historic patterns.

 

 

Recently, I made a video where I wanted to see how long I could talk about blackwork embroidery before I had to leave to start my day. After the recording stopped, I realized that there were certain things that I had not discussed (such as embroidery frames), along with pictures that I had wanted to share but did not have time to edit to include. This is a combination of various videos that I have recorded over the last few years. 

 

Check out my embroidery books! 

- 16th to 18th Century Double-Running Stitch Embroidery Patterns (2nd Edition of Pre-18th Century Embroidery Patterns)

- Pre-18th Century Embroidery Patterns (1st Edition)

- Patterns from 16th Century Pattern Books

 

Check out my latest embroidery book! 16th to 18th Century Double-Running Stitch Embroidery Patterns

In December 2021, I originally put out my first book. Then, in October 2024, I edited this book: Pre-18th Century Embroidery Patterns.

Between September and October 2024, I released my second book: Patterns from 16th Century Pattern Books.

Now, an updated edition to my original book has been released, which includes more historical embroidery patterns not previously seen in my books. Check out my newly released 16th to 18th Century Double-Running Stitch Embroidery Patterns.

 

 

 

How Much 16th Century Blackwork Embroidery Can I Talk About?

Yesterday as the 25th anniversary of the Order of the Evergreen in the Kingdom of the Middle (in the SCA, please see below for more info). While reading about the history, I was inspired to challenge myself to see how much I could talk about blackwork embroidery this morning before my day began.

 

 

 

           Check out my embroidery books! 

- 16th to 18th Century Double-Running Stitch Embroidery Patterns (2nd Edition of Pre-18th Century Embroidery Patterns)

- Pre-18th Century Embroidery Patterns (1st Edition)

- Patterns from 16th Century Pattern Books

 

           Other Embroidery Related Videos: 

- Embroidery Frames in History

- How to Dress a Slate Frame

- A Critical Look at Blackwork Embroidery in Holbein's Paintings

- Holbein Stitch: Step by Step

- Introduction to Blackwork Embroidery

 

 Information on Mamluk embroidery can be found on Miriam's Middle Eastern Research blog.

 

For anyone curious about what exactly the 'SCA' is -- The Society for Creative Anachronism is an international, non-profit educational organization that studies and recreates the medieval and Renaissance years of 600-1600AD. For more information and to locate your local branch, please check out SCA.

Yesterday, I Asked ChatGPT to Roast my YouTube Channel

For a little bit of fun, I used ChatGPT for the first time yesterday and had it roast my YouTube channel! 😂

 Check it out here!