Finished size of embroidery is approximately 8.5" x 8.5" based on 14 ct fabric. For further details, see the key is the additional images here at my Etsy shop.

Blackwork embroidery is a very old form of counted-thread embroidery. As many of the patterns used are geometric in nature, the embroidery is most often stitched on even-weave fabric e.g. Aida, Hardanger, Lugana and Linen.

The original purpose of Blackwork embroidery was to adorn collars and cuffs on clothing. It was originally worked mainly in black with gold highlights, though blue, green and silver were also used. Some Blackwork embroidery designs can be worked so that it is identical on both sides of the fabric. This makes these patterns particularly suitable to using on collars and cuffs.

Katharine of Aragon is most often credited with introducing Blackwork to England when she came to marry King Henry VIII. As she was from Spain, it became known as "Spanish Work" for a period of about 50 years or so. After Katharine’s divorce from King Henry VIII in 1533, the term "Spanish Work" was dropped and replaced with "Blackwork".

Instructions for completing Blackwork are included with each pattern. A general understanding of ‘Evenweave’ fabrics is assumed.

Please be aware you are purchasing and a Blackwork pattern along with Blackwork instructions to complete the embroidery yourself. You are not purchasing a completed item. Framing shown in photograph is to give you an idea of what the completed design will look like finished and framed.

This pattern is based on a quilting block called 'Thread Spools'. Each 'Spool Of Thread' features its own blackwork filler pattern. The background has been kept fairly subdued to allow the 'Spools Of Threads' to be 'front and centre:) Part of the filler pattern in the background is stitched using one thread and part is stitched using two threads. This adds some textural interest to the background.

Feel free to change the colours around to suit our tastes and/or vary which filler pattern you stitch in which spool of thread. This pattern would suit a confident beginner to a more experienced stitcher.

When you have finished stitching your project, you will have a gorgeous piece of embroidery to have framed and hang on your wall for all to see. You will also have a a 'mini blackwork filler pattern' library. If you would like to get regular new 'filler patterns', join my newsletter at withfabricandthreads.com.au. When you subscribe to my newsletter, you will receive 5 new blackwork filler patterns each month (I publish a newsletter roughly once a month) to add to your library. Just in case you don't have enough to keep you out of mischief, you will also receive a free colouring page with each newsletter :)