Introduction to Blackwork Embroidery
A course by Gimena RomeroArtist and Researcher
A course by Gimena Romero, Artist and Researcher
Discover a traditional English embroidery technique and create a unique piece using historical patterns
Blackwork is a traditional English embroidery technique historically used to decorate garments, primarily with geometric designs. Despite what the name suggests, black isn't the only color used, as there are examples of blackwork embroidery throughout history done in blue, green, and metallic colors.
In this course, bring blackwork into the 21st century alongside embroidery artist Gimena Romero, who teaches you about the historical context of this art form and guides you through the process of creating your own sampler of both classic and contemporary patterns.
If you don't already know Gimena, take a look at her other courses: Experimental Embroidery Techniques on Paper, Painting with Thread: Textile Illustration Techniques, and Embroidery Technique with the Back Stitch.
What will you learn in this online course?
18 lessons & 11 downloads
Review of materials
10 minutes, 48 seconds
Samples of pieces made in study with this technique
6 minutes, 12 seconds
Types of Patterns
4 minutes, 54 seconds
Plumage
20 minutes, 32 seconds
Mosquitoes
14 minutes, 56 seconds
Tessellated
8 minutes, 56 seconds
What's included in this course?
Start the course by getting to know Gimena Romero, who explains why she decided to study blackwork at the Royal School of Needlework and how that decision has influenced her work and her career. She also shows you her biggest influences within the world of embroidery.
Go over the materials you need for the course one by one. Then, find inspiration for your project by looking at some of the blackwork pieces your teacher has made.
Discover different types of patterns like open, mixed, and closed, as well as their uses and applications.
Once you understand the basics, it's time to experiment. Start with several open patterns including feathers, mosquitos, and a tessellation.
Move on to mixed patterns like lace, diamond eyelet, and waffle before finishing up with the closed patterns: herringbone darning, T blocks, and harlequin.
Next, learn how to enhance your designs with gradients. Look at what characteristics a pattern needs to be applied in blackwork, as well as how to transfer it and add shadows.
Finally, see how to integrate gradients into the previously seen patterns and your final piece.
What is this course's project?
Create a pattern sampler and an embroidery piece using one of the patterns.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
Illustrators, designers, artists, and anyone interested in embroidery and its history as an art form.
Requirements and materials
No prior experience in embroidery is needed, as Gimena walks you through the whole process step by step.
The material list for the course includes size 8 and 12 pearl cotton, mouliné cotton (all the same color), size 22 and 24 round point needles, embroidery scissors, Monaco or Aida cloth in a contrasting color, nine embroidery hoops (at least size 17), a slate frame with a base (base optional), and a fabric marker.
Reviews
- 1 month ago
El curso está genial; he aprendido bastante y la profesora Gimena (como siempre) proporciona excelentes consejos. Lo recomiendo ampliamente
- 2 months ago
Adorei o curso! Curso bem explicado, passo a passo. Sem contar que o blackwork é fascinante.
- 3 months ago
Great course, There are not many courses on this topic. I love the finished project, great symbolic style
- 4 months ago
Es un curso muy interesante, muy bien explicado, abre una puerta a la creatividad. Con el curso he aprendido que el bordado tiene infinitas posibilidades. Muchas gracias a la profesora por compartir sus conocimientos y hacerlo tan bien.
- 4 months ago
great teacher and course, very detailed.
Her work has been displayed in various exhibitions in countries like Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, France, Portugal, Ukraine, and Spain. She has several publications under her belt in the areas of narrative, poetry, and textile research with Thule Ediciones and Editorial Gustavo Gili. Her book Hebra de Agua was awarded Book of the Year at the 2016 Teixim la Ciutat festival in Catalonia.
She has also conducted research into embroidery and the body with Lausín embroidery at the UNAM Faculty of Arts and Design in Mexico. She loves life, dogs, and biscuits.
Content
- U1
Introduction
- Presentation
- Influences
- U2
Materials, samples of pieces and types of pattern
- Review of materials
- Samples of pieces made in study with this technique
- Types of Patterns
- U3
Open patterns
- Plumage
- Mosquitoes
- Tessellated
- U4
Average patterns
- Lace
- Diamond Eyelet
- Waffle
- U5
Closed patterns
- Herringbone Darning
- "T" Blocks
- Harlequin
- U6
Application of gradients
- How should be a pattern for blackwork?
- How to transfer a blackwork pattern?
- Outline of shadows
- Work by levels
- FP
Final project
- Blackwork
What to expect from a Domestika course
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FAQs
Blackwork is a counted-thread embroidery technique featuring repeated geometric patterns, typically stitched in black thread on white fabric. It’s known for its shading effects, texture, and precise lines, allowing for both classic and modern designs.
This course is designed for those with intermediate embroidery skills. If you already have basic counted-thread experience, you’ll get the most out of the advanced blackwork techniques and content.
You’ll need Aida or Monaco fabric, threads in various thicknesses, a blunt needle, embroidery scissors, an oval hoop, tracing paper, and a fabric pencil. The course guides you in choosing the best materials for your project.
You’ll learn about blackwork’s historical development, how to create classic and modern patterns, shading and gradient techniques, textile restoration, material selection, and how to apply rhapsodies, shadings, and outlines in your work.
Shading and gradient effects are created by varying pattern density, combining threads of different thicknesses, and using transition techniques in stitching to mimic light and shadow.
Closed patterns create dark, dense areas; medium patterns balance light and shadow; open patterns form lighter zones. Choosing the right type helps achieve texture and depth in your embroidery.
Classic blackwork relies on historical patterns and predominantly black thread, while contemporary blackwork experiments with colors, modern motifs, and new ways to apply patterns and gradients.