I have always been interested in Blackwork and drawn to it when I see it. So.....I saw this book on the wholesaler's list and thought, why not?

Although the Title of this book is "The Beginner's Guide to Blackwork" this is not a beginners book. I recommend it to mid-level or advanced stitchers

I am quoting from the introduction "Blackwork is a counted thread method of needlework (ok, it said embroidery but I used the word needlework) using straight stitches in a contrasting color worked on even weave fabric (me again, or white & colored canvas).

The book appears to be quite comprehensive, it begins at the very beginning, showing you hw to pick the correct materials, the basic stitches, starting a design etc. and takes you all the way to mounting a finished piece.

There are a number of pages of designs and more pages with lots of "fill-in patterns". The pictures are mostly black & white (and why not, it is blackwork, after all).


The Beginner's Guide to Blackwork is a handsome glossy heavy paperbound book with 64 pages. It was first published by Search Press in Tunbridge Wells, England in 2002. This is the 2008 re-printed edition.

I have always been interested in Blackwork and drawn to it when I see it. So.....I saw this book on the wholesaler's list and thought, why not?

Although the Title of this book is "The Beginner's Guide to Blackwork" this is not a beginners book. I recommend it to mid-level or advanced stitchers

I am quoting from the introduction "Blackwork is a counted thread method of needlework (ok, it said embroidery but I used the word needlework) using straight stitches in a contrasting color worked on even weave fabric (me again, or white & colored canvas).

The book appears to be quite comprehensive, it begins at the very beginning, showing you hw to pick the correct materials, the basic stitches, starting a design etc. and takes you all the way to mounting a finished piece.

There are a number of pages of designs and more pages with lots of "fill-in patterns". The pictures are mostly black & white (and why not, it is blackwork, after all).


The Beginner's Guide to Blackwork is a handsome glossy heavy paperbound book with 64 pages. It was first published by Search Press in Tunbridge Wells, England in 2002. This is the 2008 re-printed edition.