Holbein Stitch on Margaret Roper's Collar of 1535

When Margaret Roper (maiden name Margaret More, eldest daughter of Sir Thomas More) was 30 years old, she had a miniature of herself painted circa 1535 by Hans Holbein the Younger. In this portrait, Holbein has included significant detail of the embroidery pattern found on her collar. This is a recreation of part of that pattern. 

 

 Holbein stitch, also referred to as double-running stitch or Spanish stitch, is a reversible stitch used in early 16th century blackwork embroidery. If you would like more information on blackwork embroidery, please check out other videos on my channel. 

 

      Picture credit: 

- Holbein the Younger, Hans. “Margaret Roper (Margaret More).” The Met Museum. 

 

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