How to Do Blackwork Embroidery Stitches

Here is a graph to give a visual idea of how blackwork embroidery is accomplished.

 

 

First, you weave your thread in and out through the fabric.  Typically, I work left to right and count approximately 3 or 5 holes per stitch in linen fabric.  Once the end of the line has been reached, then on the return journey fill in the blank spaces.  On the graph above, I have the stitches numbered in the order they should go in.  It does not matter if you start from left to right or right to left.  The key is to find a good starting place (usually on an end).  The finished product should look like a complete line that is reversible.