blackwork

Today, the term "Blackwork" is used to refer to the technique, rather than the colour combination.

Much of the ore was left incompletely smelted having become blackwork.

On these were laid blackwork, partly smelted ore about half a yard thick.

Examples include needlepoint and some forms of blackwork embroidery.

Actor Nathan Field in a shirt decorated with blackwork embroidery, 1615.

Scarletwork is like blackwork, except it is sewn with red thread.

Pattern darning is also used as a filling stitch in blackwork embroidery.

Much of the success of a blackwork design depends on how tone values are translated into stitches.

Historically, there are three common styles of blackwork:

In the earliest blackwork, counted stitches are worked to make a geometric or small floral pattern.

Later blackwork features large designs of flowers, fruit, and other patterns connected by curvilinear stems.

The monochrome works are classified as blackwork embroidery even when worked in other colours; red, crimson, blue, green, and pink were also popular.

Most modern blackwork is in this style, especially the commercially-produced patterns that are marketed for hobby stitchers.

The detailed blackwork embroidery is especially notable.

Shirts and chemises were embroidered with blackwork and edged in lace.

Her blackwork sleeves have a sheer overlayer.

Sir Christopher Hatton's shirt collar is embroidered with blackwork, 1575.

This style of blackwork imitates etchings or woodcuts.

Why call it blackwork?

Her stomacher and wired heart-shaped coif are both decorated with blackwork embroidery, 1585-90.

The blackwork embroidery at the edges of her square-necked chemise can be seen beneath the parlet, 1545.

Some of these techniques include "shadow" or "lite" stitching, blackwork on canvas, and pattern darning.

Historic blackwork embroidery is rarely preserved, as the iron-based dye used was corrosive to the thread.

Jane Seymour wears a gable hood and a chemise with geometric blackwork embroidery, 1536-37.

Lady Margaret Butts wears a high-necked chemise with a band of blackwork at the neck.