What is blekvork: Secrets monochrome embroidery

Blekvork (Blackwork) - old embroidery machines, come down to us from the Middle Ages. From English blekvork translates as "dirty work." It - countable embroidery, which is traditionally carried out with black thread on a white (or cream) basis. Embroidery blekvork used as a replacement for lace expensive. Black silk embroidery on a cloth used to decorate clothing and household items was a kind of language, which allows to determine the gender, marital and social status, or served as a mascot and talisman.
Typically, to create patterns using a double stitch "forward needle", also known as a seam "Holbein". It looks the same with the right and wrong sides, so it is very popular for jewelry such clothing items, such as cuffs and collars.

Double seam or "Holbein"

There are special embroidery scheme blekvork technology. These schemes can be divided into two main groups: the contour and tint.

Embroidering on the contour diagram, you designate a seam contours of objects - such works look cute and simple.
According tint - sew pattern, which determines the density of the embroidery color saturation (from black to light gray). For large designs in the style of blekvork use up to six thread floss to fill the darkest areas, gradually reducing their number to a thread on the light.

To create a more seamless transition - leaving some areas completely without embroidery. Unfilled areas of the web create surprising effect of light, and the variety of geometrical patterns expands the choice of textures. When loaded more intricate and balanced composition of the white space, your picture starts to breathe.
Scenic shadows, reflections, the volume of an illusion - all it can be transmitted by means of uncomplicated at first glance, blekvork technology.
The most unusual use of black and white embroidery found in the creation of paintings. Along with abstract patterns created landscapes, still life and even portraits.

To create a picture you want to transfer the sketch onto the fabric using a special pen or pencil, to break it into fragments, which then fill with ornaments. Where required by the drawing, the fragments must be separated from each other by a seam "back needle". Finished embroidery blekvork style is similar to drawing with a pencil or ink.

Sometimes this technique is used in conjunction with stitch counting: embroidery cross schemes executed in color and located in the center of the picture, and monochrome blekvork serves as a backdrop, highlighting the main story, making expressive. In addition, the embroidery background blekvorkom takes much less time than in the filling of the same space or half-cross stitch canvas, thereby reducing the process complexity.

Blekvork technique, at first glance, embroiderers limits in the choice of colors. But the real magic of needlework is that creativity erases such boundaries. In blekvork added metallic threads. Gold or silver glitter make a simple embroidery more refined. Some elements may be made bright contrasting color which will give the depth. This element can be a red flower in a maze of black leaf.
Start to get acquainted with the world blekvorka best with the simple little contour diagram, for example, with simple beds or biskornyu (from the French. biscornue - «horned; uneven, with protuberances, ungainly, awkward, funny "- a small pad with multiple unequal, but symmetrical angles for needles, pins, keys, etc.). When you feel that black embroidery thread carries you safely get down to anyone, even the most voluminous project.

Useful Tips for embroidery:

• Embroider style blekvork best on canvas or linen - on such tissues obtained better details.
• using the hoop or the embroidery frame to maintain a uniform tension of the fabric. Round hoop about 20-25 cm in diameter are very convenient to use.
• The needle must necessarily match the thickness of the fabric. If the needle is too large for the selected fabric, it will expand the distance between the threads of the canvas. If the needle is too thin - it will lead to rapid abrasion floss strands. Use a tapestry needle with a blunt tip, it will not split the threads of the fabric.
• Also, it is better to stock up on a few rolls of thread from one party, especially if the embroidery is not black, it's not always the color of the different parties have the same shade. Plus - is better to check whether the thread shed. This can be a problem and ruin the job.
• To embroidery look carefully, it is not necessary to embroider too long thread after repeated passage through the fabric, it will start pushitsya and it will create the effect of "dirt" in the work. Convenient thread length 25 cm Z0.
• First embroider the darker areas of the picture, then brighter and in the end - lighter. Stitches may run vertically, horizontally, and diagonally.
• Avoid large broaches on the wrong side. Inexperienced needlewoman often guilty of this, as is convenient, but the skin, especially black, may show through, creating a sloppy look.
• To line and patterns are clear and clean, better to embroider the individual parts of the background, and in the end stitch "back needle" perform a loop. Embroidery circuits use a thicker thread and embroidery needle sharp.
• for the tension necessary to carefully monitor the thread, so that after the washing operation is not upset your sagging stitches.
• The finished work gently washed in a mild detergent solution, allow to dry and iron with warm iron on the reverse side, laying face down on a soft towel.
You want to try to embroider their first job in engineering blekvork? A little patience and perseverance - and a stunning masterpiece is provided to you! Try experimenting with different shades and combinations thereof, interesting experience can be the use of melange yarn. Indifferent no one will!

Be sure to ask, knitting affects the health and well-being.