Knot Garden Blackwork Biscornu

This little biscornu was inspired by the design of Tudor knot gardens. I have always loved blackwork; I really enjoy trying out different filling patterns to experiment with the effect.

I stitched this biscornu very traditionally using black thread on a white background. I used antique gold beads, and an ‘aged’ gold button to add to the historical effect.

Blackwork is believed to have been introduced to the UK by Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIII’s first wife, and was very popular on clothing at the time – some of Holbein’s portraits show clothes stitched with blackwork.

If you’d like to have a go at stitching this, the pattern is available here in my Etsy shop ‘Stitches ‘N’ Dreams’.

I would love to hear about your projects, especially if you enjoy blackwork.