Colors of Silk Thread for 16th Century Embroidery

Recently at a historical reenactment event, I was asked what colors were historically accurate for silk thread on embroidery in the 16th century. Follow along as I review different colors used, as well as what colors were used on which items.

 

Picture credit: Jesse Weber

Blackwork embroidery is also known as double-running stitch or Holbein stitch. Historically, it was typically found as black silk thread embroidered on white linen in a reversible stitch. For more historical information (plus a step by step on how to begin) on blackwork embroidery, please visit: https://youtu.be/lcZsoB71XZQ 😀 

I'd love your support as a patron to help keep this channel going! 😀 

https://ko-fi.com/lynnefairchild 

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   Suggested Items for Purchase: 

- Silk thread (Needle in a Haystack): http://www.needlestack.com/WebStore/Thread/AVAS_Ovale.html or http://www.needlestack.com/WebStore/Thread/AVAS_SoiePerlee.html 

- Slate Frame (T.F. Woodcraft): https://www.tfwoodcraft.com/shop/slate-frames/ 

- Hoop Frame: https://amzn.to/3sktIBs 

- Beeswax: https://amzn.to/2NHAmTF 

- Scissors: https://amzn.to/2ZO93cP 

- Linen Fabric: https://amzn.to/3m1bsuJ 

- Craft Stand: https://amzn.to/3pYGlR0

 

 

16th Century Blackwork Embroidery Live Video

 

I put together videos explaining some of the history of blackwork embroidery, as well as step by step instructions, how to recreate a historical pattern, and more! 

Please check out my video and give me your input. What else would you like to learn about blackwork embroidery?

1544 Flemish Pattern

This embroidery pattern is based on a pattern found on the collar of a woman in a Flemish portrait from 1544. This painting is at the Art Institute of Chicago. This particular design will become part of a pin pillow.

 Portrait of a Woman (at Art Institute of Chicago)

Blackwork embroidery is also known as double-running stitch or Holbein stitch. Historically, it was typically found as silk thread embroidered on white linen in a reversible stitch.

 

 

Watch step by step as embroider the above design on to linen with silk thread: 

 

 

 

Step by Step Embroidery of a 16th Century Italian Pattern

This particular embroidery pattern is from an Italian sampler, circa 1600, located at the V&A Museum in London. The sampler features silk embroidery done in a double-running stitch, as well as long-armed cross stitch. This particular embroidery will become part of a pin pillow. 

 

Blackwork embroidery is also known as double-running stitch or Holbein stitch. Historically, it was typically found as silk thread embroidered on white linen in a reversible stitch. 

 

 

 

For more historical information on pin pillows, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKKpxvYHrXg 

 

For more historical information (plus a step by step on how to begin) on blackwork embroidery, please visit: https://youtu.be/lcZsoB71XZQ 

 

The full sampler at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London: http://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O70028/sampler/sampler-unknown/

 

For more information on the Italian sampler and other embroidery patterns from this sampler, please visit: https://tudorblackwork.blogspot.com/2020/02/how-to-create-your-own-blackwork-design.html

 

 

 

 

Suggested Items for Purchase: 

- Silk thread (Needle in a Haystack): http://www.needlestack.com/WebStore/Thread/AVAS_Ovale.html or http://www.needlestack.com/WebStore/Thread/AVAS_SoiePerlee.html 

- Slate Frame (T.F. Woodcraft): https://www.tfwoodcraft.com/shop/slate-frames/ 

- Hoop Frame: https://amzn.to/3sktIBs 

- Beeswax: https://amzn.to/2NHAmTF 

- Scissors: https://amzn.to/2ZO93cP 

- Linen Fabric: https://amzn.to/3m1bsuJ 

- Craft Stand: https://amzn.to/3pYGlR0 

 

 

Ideas on Where to Find & Examples of Recreated Historical Blackwork Embroidery Patterns

Here are ideas on where to find and recreate historical blackwork embroidery patterns, as well as providing some historical patterns that I have recreated myself.

 

In Tudor England during the 16th century, it had been referred to as Spanish stitch, until King Henry VIII divorced his first wife, Catherine of Aragon (who was Spanish). After that, the name blackwork was adopted for use to describe this particular type of embroidery.

 

 

Step by Step Italian Embroidery Pattern, circa 1600

This particular embroidery pattern is from an Italian sampler, circa 1600, located at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The sampler features silk embroidery done in a double-running stitch, as well as white cutwork. 

 

 "Embroidered Sampler"

 

 

This particular embroidery will become part of a pin pillow. Blackwork embroidery is also known as double-running stitch or Holbein stitch. Historically, it was typically found as silk thread embroidered on white linen in a reversible stitch.

 

 

 

 

My display at the Craftspersons Greene

 

Yesterday, I attended an SCA event where I participated with the Craftspersons Greene (for craftspeople to display and demonstrate their craft, answer questions, etc). I included 2 of my favorite arts and sciences: baking and blackwork. 

For more information on my baking, please click here. 

Thank you to everyone who stopped by my display, asked questions, expressed an interest, etc! Blackwork embroidery is something that I have been doing for over 20 years now. I really enjoy it! 

If you are curious about what blackwork is, please check out the video below: