Blackwork Basics

Blackwork embroidery commonly uses two stitches. Back-stitch is often used for out-lining while the double-running stitch is traditionally used for filling-in and more complex designs. Both can be stitched vertically, horizontally or diagonally to produce a continuous line and both can be used interchangeably thoughout your design. You may favor one over the other as you stitch various sections; just keep in mind that you want your finished piece to be as neat as possible.

Getting Started

Thread your needle and make a waste-knot at the other end. From the front of your fabric, insert your needle in an area not too far from the center and that will be worked over by stitches in your design. Come back up where your first stitch closest to the center begins (A). Work your design until you come to the waste knot. The thread should now be secured underneath your stitches on the backside and the waste knot can now be snipped off.

When there is about 2 or 3 needle lengths of thread left, slip your needle underneath several stitches on the backside of your design, making sure that you don't catch any threads of your fabric, and pull the thread through. Trim any remaining thread. Follow these instuctions as you start and finish off each new length of thread.

Back-stitch or Point de Sable
	From the back of your fabric, come up at (A) and go bach down at (B), come up at (C) and go back down at (D). Continue as illustrated. Remember to pull your stitches through in the direction of the stitch and keep your tension even. Your stitches should never be pulled too tight as to distort your fabric or too loose as not to lay flat on the fabric.

Double-running stitch or Point Holbein
	From the back of your fabric, come up at (A) and go back down at (B), come up at (C) and go back down at (D) continue creating a broken line of stitches also known as your "outbound journey". At the end of your line of stitches (F), follow your path or your "return journey" back, filling in the gaps as you return to your starting point.

Cross-stitch
	From the back of your fabric, come up at (A) and go back down at (B), come back up at (C) and go back down at (D), crossing over the previous stitch as illustrated. To begin your next cross-stitch, come back up at (C). You should make sure that you keep all your cross-stitches consistant, meaning that all your cross over stitches are going in the same direction.