Thursday, September 17, 2020

Blackwork Patterns from an Italian Sampler

The Italian sampler below is from circa 1600. It is on display at the Met (Metropolitan Museum of Art). It features silk embroidery done in a double-running stitch, as well as white cutwork.
 
One of the many things that I love about blackwork embroidery (the geometric counted thread version) is this: when I looked at this sampler, I was able to find a couple of mistakes. However, I was also able to recreate the patterns, even though some of the thread is now missing. Also, thanks to the Met's website, the sampler can be enhanced enough to see that the stitches were done on every 5th hole of the linen fabric.
 
 
 
Embroidered sampler, Silk and linen on linen foundation, bobbin lace, Italian
 
 
The patterns below are from the top right corner of the sampler.
 
 

 



 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 

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