grass green embroidery floss, first work the Assisi leaf panel in the center of the sampler.
2 Then use the four shades of the blue embroidery floss, with two strands each, to work the letters of the alphabet immediately above and below the Assisi panel.
3 Again using two strands of the appropriate colors, add the two narrow borders that separate the rows of letters.
4 Finally work the top and bottom rows of the alphabet.
Stitching the border
1 Using two strands of the coral thread, work the narrow alternating cross stitch border that frames the center panel.
2 Now add the border motifs in two strands of the appropriate colors, following the chart and key. Add back stitch with one strand of deep pink around the outlines of the small pale pink hearts in the top left corner.
3 Complete the stitching by working another alternating cross stitch border in two strands of coral thread.
Mounting the sampler
1 Place the sampler right side down on a clean towel, which will prevent the stitches from being flattened, and carefully press it on the wrong side.
2 Fold back the side edges eight squares outside the borders. Trim if necessary to make a double hem and slipstitch in place on the wrong side, along the border line of cross stitch.
3 Make casings for the dowels by turning back the top and bottom edges eighteen squares above and below the top and bottom borders. Turn under a hem, trimming if necessary and slipstitch in place along the border line of cross stitch on the wrong side.
4 Thread the dowels through the casings and hang with the ribbons.
Key
Blackwork
A distinctive form of counted thread embroidery, blackwork was probably of Moorish origin and became popular in England during Tudor times due to the influence of Katharine of Aragon, Henry VIII’s Spanish wife. As its name suggests, it is traditionally worked in black thread and can be embellished with touches of metallic thread. Geometric patterns are built up by repeating stitch sequences within a defined area. The tonal contrasts you can create with blackwork give it great dramatic impact.
Patsy North
FABRICS
Evenweave linen or cotton fabrics are used for blackwork. The finer the weave of the fabric, the finer the finished embroidery will be, but take care not to choose a fabric that is so fine that the threads are too difficult to count. Plain white fabric provides the strongest contrast with the black thread and sets the stitch patterns off to good advantage, giving the technique its striking graphic quality. However, there is no reason why you shouldn’t try off-white, beige or pastel shades of fabric.
THREADS
The type of thread you choose should match the weight of the fabric threads. For a crisp finish, it is best to use a single strand of thread. Pearl cotton, stranded embroidery floss, coton à broder and sewing thread are all suitable. As well as the classic black, other strong colors, such as red, can give an interesting effect. Fine synthetic metallic threads add richness to a design.
NEEDLES
Use a blunt-ended tapestry needle that won’t split the fabric threads as you work.
USES
A sampler is an ideal showcase for the many fascinating stitch patterns you can create with blackwork. Set the stitch patterns inside geometric shapes or stylized floral forms for a traditional look. For a more experimental approach, try working a blackwork picture. Any design with large areas to be filled is appropriate, such as a house portrait, map, simple landscape of hills and fields, or city skyline with skyscrapers. Other items that are suitable for blackwork decoration include table linen, cushions and clothing.
PREPARING THE FABRIC
Cut a piece of your chosen evenweave fabric, allowing at least 2 in (5 cm) extra all around. Bind or overcast the edges of the fabric to prevent them from fraying (page). Find the horizontal and vertical centers of the fabric and mark them both with a line of running stitches in a brightly colored sewing thread (page). Find the center of your chart and mark this too with a pen.
Mount the fabric in an embroidery hoop ready to start stitching at the marked center point (page).
STARTING AND FINISHING
To start an area of stitching, bring the needle up to the right side, leaving a short end on the wrong side of the work. Secure the end by working the first few stitches over it.
To finish, pass the needle back through a few stitches on the wrong side. Snip off all loose ends as you work to prevent them from becoming caught up in subsequent stitches.
How to make blackwork stitches and fillings