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