Blackwork

By Crusader1307

A fashion aspect of England's Tudor Era fashion, the clothing style known as ''Blackwork'' was possibly a 15th Century AD Import of Spain. It was a type of fine embroidery common with Nobility and Royalty, alike. The style involved intricate work with black silk lacing placed upon an all white field (sleeves and veils being preferred). Blackwork was used to enhance sheer sleeves, often plain and in the color chosen of the Wearer. Bright and ''flashy'' colors were seen as ''sinful'' in Tudor England (depending of course, on The Monarch and their fashion style).

Queen Elizabeth I was the foremost admirer of Blackwork. Much of Her dresses and clothing featured the fine and often time consuming to make fashion type. Most of the Ladies in Her Kingdom emulated this. Blackwork was very expensive and took many weeks to construct and sew. As such great care was taken to not damage the clothing it was adhered to. Often, intricate imagery was added this way. Roses, small Animals etc. were constructed with Blackwork. In some cases, Chessboards and Maps of particular Towns and Cities were also Blackworked into fabrics.