...makes some really beautiful embroideries! If you're a sewer or a stitcher, no doubt you've come across the techniques of Redwork, Blackwork and Whitework. I wanted to do a little digging to find out a bit more about each of them as well as the tools and designs involved. Curious? Then, let's go!
Whitework Embroidery is a term that covers a wide range of embroidery techniques from pulled thread (see pic), cutwork (where areas are actually cut out and embroidered around) and other, more traditional white on white embroideries. Some whitework is so intricately pulled that it looks more like lace than embroidery. Which is why it's often referred to as "needlelace". Many whitework techniques are from the 15th century or older and incorporate silk thread and linen for heirloom pieces. Check out some Richilieu or Hardanger. Whoo wee. That's really amazing stuff.
Redwork Embroidery originated in Turkey but became popular in the United States around the time of the Civil War. Due to abundant cotton and inexpensive plain muslin fabric, redwork found a following among the middle-class and immigrants. Many dry-goods stores sold "penny squares" of printed patterns on cotton for redwork quilts or to incorporate into household linens. Because of the durability and colorfastness of cotton thread, these simple line embroideries were part of everyday life and survived repeated washings. The popluarity of redwork has never really waned. I found a redwork coverlet at the Thrift Store last year for $7. Score!
Blackwork was also called "Spanish work" because it was believed to originate in Spain and brought to England by Catherine of Aragon during the time of Henry VIII. (Think 15-16th centuries) I just saw The Other Boleyn Girl--that poor Queen Catherine. She just couldn't compete with that vixen Anne. Blackwork was usually done in silk on cotton or linen, mostly is geometric or swirling patterns. Earlier blackwork incorporated the double-running stitch, making it reversible. Neat. It's popularity lasted on through Elizabethan times with the motifs changing to flora and fauna. Heavily embroidered clothing was synonymous with status so people were pretty much covered in it.
I hope you didn't mind my abbreviated history lesson on the three "works". Rest easy, there won't be any of this on the final.
Recent Comments