Emerald Counted Threads (Blackwork) Course

Location: This course is delivered via Zoom & WhatsApp. Please click here for guides to using Zoom & WhatsApp

Duration: 6 Week Embroidery Course (1 x 2.5 hour session per week for 6 consecutive weeks) 

Date: 26th January - 2nd March (6pm-8:30pm GMT - Mondays)

Join us for our six-week Emerald Counted Thread embroidery course and experience Blackwork like you have never seen it before! This course is perfect for anyone looking to take their traditional embroidery skills to the next level, particularly those wanting to explore counted thread techniques with a contemporary twist.

Traditionally worked in black thread on white linen, Blackwork has been reimagined here with a fresh emerald and gold palette that brings new life to this historic craft. You will experiment with colour, texture and thread thickness to create gradients and explore pattern breakdowns, adding vibrancy and dimension to your work.

Learning counted thread embroidery is a great way to build accuracy and confidence in your stitching. Because the design is worked by following the fabric’s weave, it gives a clear structure that makes patterns easy to follow while still allowing for plenty of creativity. It’s a relaxing, methodical technique that can be adapted for both traditional and modern designs, making it a valuable skill to add to your embroidery toolkit.

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• Please read all of the course description information above and the technical and shipping information below before booking your course.

• All courses are non refundable, if you cannot attend please let us know as soon as possible and we will try to move you to another course.

• If you have any questions please check our FAQ's page here.

This course is inspired by traditional tile work, where patterns are created using repeated shapes and colours. Olive green threads represent the main colour of the tiles, while gold threads highlight key elements and add contrast. The design focuses on simple geometric forms and repeated motifs, allowing you to explore structure and rhythm in your embroidery.

The design also allows you to practise a wide range of Blackwork patterns and to experiment with different motifs, pattern breakdowns and thread thicknesses. It has been created with this technical exploration in mind, giving you the opportunity to develop both skill and understanding of the counted thread technique.

Blackwork embroidery became popular in the late 1400s and is known for its intricate geometric and lace-like patterns. Traditionally it is stitched in black thread on white or light-coloured fabric. The technique was introduced to England from Spain by Catherine of Aragon in the early 1500s and was originally called Spanish Work.

Blackwork was valued for both its decorative appeal and practical use. It was often used on cuffs, collars and hems to disguise stains while adding elegance to everyday garments. After Catherine’s divorce from King Henry VIII the style became widely known as Blackwork and its popularity continued throughout the Tudor period.

The technique also evolved into counted thread embroidery, where each stitch is placed carefully according to the fabric’s weave. This structured approach allowed embroiderers to create repeating motifs, gradients and detailed designs with precision. Over the centuries, counted thread Blackwork has been adapted for both traditional and contemporary embroidery, giving modern embroiderers the chance to explore new colours, textures and creative effects while staying true to the technique’s historical roots.

• Over the course of this special 6 week course you will learn the following Blackwork embroidery stitches: Tulip, Leaves, Open Lace, Diamond Eyelet, Waffle, Diamond Trellis, Open Honeycomb, Floral Lace, Compressed Lace, Rounded Eyelet, Hexagonal Lozenge, Octagonal Square, Diamond Trellis, Open Zigzag, Fan, Grecian Curls, Octagon Star, Lace, Octagonal Square, Diamond and Chevron 

• You will also understand the fundamentals of breaking down Blackwork embroidery patterns to create gradients within your work

• All course materials will be sent directly to you. You will need a 10-inch seat frame, or an equivalent embroidery or slate frame, to use during the class. You will also need to provide your own basic embroidery equipment, such as scissors, needle threaders and a daylight lamp, according to your individual needs.

• When you book the course, we will send you our Embroidery Essentials document, which outlines all the tools and equipment you might want to have ready to get the most out of your learning experience.

• A recording of each course session will be sent to you within one week of the session. You will then be able to keep and refer to this recording indefinitely.