Embroidering a Pattern Found on Unknown Lady's Cuffs from the Early 16th Century | Holbein Stitch

This particular blackwork embroidery pattern is my interpretation of the pattern on the cuffs in this Portrait of an Unknown Lady, circa 1500 to 1524 (attributed to Jean Perréal). This lady has sometimes been identified as Madeleine de la Tour d’Auverge (1498-1519), Countess of Boulogne, Lady of St Saturnin, by marriage Duchess of Urbino. Wife of Lorenzo II de' Medici and mother of Catherine de Médici, Queen of France.

 

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

For more information on the portrait that inspired this pattern, please visit my blog at: http://tudorblackwork.blogspot.com/2023/02/another-16th-century-blackwork.html

 

          Check out my embroidery books! 

- 16th to 18th Century Double-Running Stitch Embroidery Patterns (2nd Edition of Pre-18th Century Embroidery Patterns). https://amzn.to/43lwjRp 

- Pre-18th Century Embroidery Patterns (1st Edition). https://amzn.to/4cnysi5 

- Patterns from 16th Century Pattern Books. https://amzn.to/43VMwwI

 

            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/3ZFtwPM 

- Scissors: https://amzn.to/2ZO93cP 

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

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