Blackwork Embroidery: Stitches, techniques and 13 modern projects

Blackwork is a traditional type of counted-stitch embroidery. Monochromatic, with superb shadow effects, it has been revisited here in a magnificently graphic, contemporary style highlighted with occasional splashes of colour.

The patterns designed by Bernadette Baldelli modernize the technique by adding a touch of red to the traditional black and white, and by including both geometrical and more figurative styles. You’ll discover a lush, graphic world with embroidery that is simple to do and gives stunning results. You can make a basket, a pouch, wall hangings, placemats, an embroidered shirt, throw blanket and more. Simple diagrams make them easy to do, and there is a wealth of tempting patterns to choose from. Bernadette’s creations are known for their excellent finishing touches and these are no exception.

Bernadette Baldelli graduated from Paris’s prestigious Duperré School of Applied Arts, where she specialized in textiles. She has worked for DMC, created pattern collections for major yarn producers and has published a great many books about knitting, crochet and embroidery.