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.