This week’s border in our sampler creates two lovely Blackwork borders. Because Blackwork is an open canvas technique, these borders will look best if they are used around open canvas. Their light feeling will not create a frame if it is put around stitched canvas as is.
You can stitch Blackwork on canvas that is stitched, however. Separate this border from the main design with another border in a different color. This creates a visual separation. Stitch the area for the Blackwork in Tent Stitch in a different color from the Blackwork color. Make sure it is at least two threads bigger on both sides than the Blackwork, so the overstitching can be seen. When completed, stitch the Blackwork in a contrasting color and thinner thread.
Blackwork looks best when stitched in thinner threads, about the width of a canvas thread. Here I used a #8 silk pearl in the minor accent color. The model uses Rainbow Gallery’s Elegance which is no longer made. Other companies, including Dinky Dyes and Gloriana, make silk pearls in #8. You could also use a #8 pearl cotton.
The top border starts three threads below the previous border. There are two open threads between the borders. Be sure to center the borders.
Stitch the two borders as charted below. The top chart, Double Link, has the chain border. The bottom chart, Lozenge, has the lozenge border. Both should be centered. There are two open threads between the borders.Below the chart are some tips for stitching Blackwork on needlepoint canvas.
If you are stitching on mono canvas (the chart is for this) all Blackwork stitches should cross two threads, stitches over one thread are not stable. If your are overstitching or stitching on Interlock canvas you may stitch Blackwork over one thread or stitch.
Blackwork can be stitched in either Backstitch, below top, or Double Running Stitch, below bottom. I usually use Backstitch.
You can stitch Blackwork with any thread. I like the sharper lines you get from single strand threads, such as Pearl Cotton.
Come back next week for another great border (this one is one of my favorites)!
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
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