Beginner's Guide to Blackwork Paperback – May 1, 2002

If you are an actual beginner don't start with this book because for what you get in this book is actually pretty underwhelming considering the cost. The patterns are beautiful and might be an incentive to purchase if you already know how to do blackwork. If you are a complete beginner though the instructional section is pretty pathetic with barely a page given on how to do the actual stitching. Many pages were only half filled, and usually these were with sampler examples. Why claim to be a beginners book and then not actual give detailed instruction for beginners! One of the difficulties I've had with this type of embroidery was working out how to seamlessly go through a pattern and not cross your own stitching path, truly making it look mirrored on front and back. No info was given on working the patterns. The whole book including index is only 63 pages and most of it is devoted to pictures of the author's samplers. I'm going to keep the book for the patterns but I'm definitely going to have to purchase a different "beginner" book to actually learn anything about doing the embroidery itself!

I've been looking for a book on blackwork and/or redwork for years, but nothing met my needs. Then I saw someone had gotten this one, in one of my Facebook groups, and I ordered it after her rave review of it. It has not disappointed. I'm very pleased with the detail I found on my first read-through. Very easy to follow, but the designs are challenging enough for a more advance stitcher.

Great book. Lots of patterns.

Love this book and use it a lot, but be aware that the alphabet contains no Q or J...I like that the author really encourages you to try making your own borders... As somewhat of a novice, I was nervous that there weren't many ready-made project charts to attempt, but the style really lends itself to improvisation.

It may help to have done some embroidery or sewing before, but this book does include a few pages on each topic of: what tools and supplies you need, how to set up your work, where to begin, how to embroider and how to frame your work. There are some but not many photos of historic pieces and many photos of what I take to be the author's work as examples. The majority of the book are pictures of the finished work with a stitching chart on the opposite page. These are very clear, unlike the poor quality of some older books, and could be photocopied and enlarged. They do not show the direction in which to stitch to make your work reversible; however, a crafty person should be able to figure that out without specific directions.I wish this had been the first blackwork book I had bought! It shows enough historic samplers and bands to keep me busy for a number of years. I am a reenactor and I want to make my own blackwork bands to sew onto shirt collars and cuffs, after I practice on some samplers. They would also make nice gifts.

More of a stitch guide, lots of border examples. No pictures for practicing

I've just started doing a blackwork project, because I found a free chart on the Classic Stitches (based in Scotland) website, and now I'm hooked. The author did a very good job on presenting different fill-in stitches, borders, and motifs. I did not like the finished pieces he used as examples as well as finished pieces that I've seen in other books, but there are so many motifs to choose from that you could easily create your own samplers. The examples he used of finished pieces are so clear, that you can see the little blocks in the material. You could work right off from the example without even needing a corresponding chart to go with it. It is an excellent introductory book, and I will use it for years to come.

I found this book very helpful as I try to learn more about blackwork. In response to the previous review complaining that the author doesn't teach the Holbein stitch (which looks the same on the front and back), yes, she does, but she doesn't tell you that it looks the same front and back (I happen to know from other materials I've read).The author also assumes that you have some blackwork/embroidery skills, so it isn't for rank beginners. I also wish that it had more on the history of blackwork, instead of just trotting out that Katherine of Aragon stuff (which no one seems to ever actually document). I really appreciated the info on how to frame my work.I appreciated the number of charts, from small and easy to large and complex, that are included. I have picked out several to attempt soon. Overall, I'm glad I bought this book.

Great little book. Neat explanation of blackwork and useful designs to practice. The only omission is how to start and finish the stitching so I think the author has assumed some embroidery knowledge. Once again I dont find the black on grey background as helpful to 'read' - see photos. If reviewed and edited I would suggest a slight change in order enhance usability - focus on how to get there - materials etc, samples of stitches with developing complexity of pattern, a sampler to practice , to designing your own to more complex design at end. Hope this is helpful.

I liked the cover on the book, and the variety of patterns and there was a good variety of 'fillers'. I like it how she inspires you to 'look around' for ideas too. I also liked the history but, felt a lot of it 'came from Wiki' and there could have been more historical info on it ie photographs. Still, it gave me a buzz to learn more about blackwork myself and I quite fancy going to the V&A or look round castle for Tudor paintings that have blackwork. I had a terrible needlework teacher and hated sewing, but now I love it. I do cross-stitch but I really love the simple, stylish and 'traditional' aspect of blackwork. I like to bring the tudor period to 21st century embroidery. I have made our local castle in blackwork and now I am making a Buddha in blackwork and I think this is just the beginning. I have had some brilliant feedback. I am really looking forward to practicing the fillers and trying out my own ideas. I will get her sampler book of blackwork too. It is going to be an exciting adventure.

This book is ok. I thought it was going to be a bit more in depth and have a few more varieties of patterns, especially for the money and compared to other books. However, a lot of the patterns will be good to integrate into larger pieces.

This seems to be an extremely good guide to black work. Lots of beautiful patterns - no projects but I’m looking forward to using this book. Very pleased I picked this book.

This was a well received present