Holbein Stitch on Margaret Roper's Collar of 1535

When Margaret Roper (maiden name Margaret More, eldest daughter of Sir Thomas More) was 30 years old, she had a miniature of herself painted circa 1535 by Hans Holbein the Younger. In this portrait, Holbein has included significant detail of the embroidery pattern found on her collar. This is a recreation of part of that pattern. 

 

 Holbein stitch, also referred to as double-running stitch or Spanish stitch, is a reversible stitch used in early 16th century blackwork embroidery. If you would like more information on blackwork embroidery, please check out other videos on my channel. 

 

      Picture credit: 

- Holbein the Younger, Hans. “Margaret Roper (Margaret More).” The Met Museum. 

 

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- 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

 

 

Should AI Be Used for Constructing Research Papers?

Follow along as I use AI to create a research paper for me on Holbein-inspired blackwork embroidery and find out if the information provided was true or incorrect.

 

     

        Photo credit: 

- Anne of Cleves

-  Derich Born

 

 

 

16th Century Holbein Stitch Embroidered Flower

This is a blackwork embroidered flower pattern inspired by a 16th century Italian flower pattern from a sampler at the V&A Museum.

 

 

Don't Forget to Buy My Embroidery Book for Christmas!

With the holiday season upon us, make my 16th to 18th Century Double-Running Stitch Embroidery Patterns book a gift to yourself and anyone you know who enjoys double-running stitch embroidery!

 

 

17th Century Embroidery Patterns from an English Sampler at the Cleveland Museum of Art

This English sampler (Accession Number 1942.508), circa 1600-1630, is at the Cleveland Museum of Art. It is part of The Mary Pack McNairy Collection. This sampler has embroidery done in silk thread on linen tabby ground. Along with double-running stitch, this sampler also has cross stitch on it. What is interesting about this sampler is the variety of color displayed on it, including blue, red, and green. By enhancing the picture of this sampler online, it appears that the stitches are done by every 2nd hole on the linen. 

 

Check out my latest embroidery book!

  16th to 18th Century Double-Running Stitch Embroidery Patterns