How to Create a Knitted Blackwork Coaster

Blackworking embroidery goes back to at least the thirteenth century, and has by now become a staple in many countries. The earliest known stitch was the double running stitch that was used on linen and garments all throughout Egypt. It can create a variety of delicate effects and filling patterns. Blackwork is a form of embroidery that uses black threads on a white or cream ground, and the stitches are used in varies thicknesses to add special effects to the linen. One of the main stitches is known as the Holbien stitch. It is the most traditional stitch that is used to create a continuous stitched line on the front and back of the fabric. It was named after a sixteenth century artist, Hans Holbien, who painted beautiful blackwork details with in portraits of people.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Knitting needles
• White yarn
• 4-by-4-inch piece of plastic canvas
• Sewing needle
• Black embroidery thread

1. Using white yarn of your choice, cast on the number of stitches that will give you about 4 inches. Knit in stockinette until the piece measures about 8 inches in length.
2. You will need to determine the picture that you want to create on the front of the coaster. For example, a daisy with leaves and a small stem in the right corner.
3. Take the black embroidery threads and use all strands to make the solid stem, and use a straight line stitch.
4. Use the same amount of thread to do an outline of the flower and the daisy. Once that is complete, use only two strands of the black and fill in the daisy petals. You can use any stitch you like. You can even create a patterned daisy by making each petal have a different design.
5. Once the daisy is complete, use just one strand of the black thread and create a design pattern for the background that would still allow the white to show.
6. Now you will need to cut a 4-by-4-inch piece of plastic canvas.
7. Turn you knitted piece with the embroidery side facing the inside and sew up the two sides. Now turn the piece inside out and slide in the piece of plastic canvas.
8. Whip stitch the top closed. You can repeat this process to make a complete set of coasters.