Since publication, Clare Bradshaw’s beguiling Blackwork Honeycomb Needlebook project for EGA’s Free Projects Library has become a favorite among stitchers. Embroiderers in the EGA Stitch-a-long group have stitched their own versions (see below!), and the design continues to draw interest and attention from the community. Clare is a Blackwork beacon in the embroidery community—she has hosted a free, year-long stitch-a-long for the last several years, and also hosts seasonal stitch-a-longs throughout the year. Clare’s aesthetic as a Blackwork embroidery artist is intricate, fresh, and inspiring. We sat down with Clare to learn more about her embroidery background and where she gains inspiration for her work.
Where did your love of embroidery begin?
I can recall the exact time and location when I saw Blackwork embroidery for the first time; I was in the beautiful haberdashery department in Liberty’s, London, when I spotted a small Blackwork kit (by Jane Greenoff). I was instantly smitten. I had never done or been interested in any kind of embroidery at all! It was love at first sight!
Why are you drawn to Blackwork embroidery?
I’ve always been drawn to patterns, and of course, this is what Blackwork embroidery is all about.
Your designs frequently use botanical motifs. Why are you drawn to botanicals?
My mum passed on a love of plants to me. I love the cycles we see in nature, the diversity and variations of plants, and also the mathematical structure of some.
Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
It varies; sometimes I have an idea, a very clear image of what I want to do, and I go about trying to make it work in the grid that you need to work within when designing counted embroidery. I will also just play with shapes, patterns, and have snippets of things I love just hanging about, awaiting a design they will marry with.
What does your design process look like?
Haphazard. I generally start with paper. I’ll often have a lot of ideas I’ll be mulling over that I’ll dip into and think about until I get some inspiration that means I have something to add to it that I’m excited about. That’s what motivates me through the actual design process, which can be very laborious sometimes, with things being redrawn many times!
You host several stitch-alongs, including year-long stitch-alongs that you started in 2020. (The 2025 stitch a long is ongoing now, and free to join!). What inspired you to start hosting stitch alongs?
I liked the idea of a stitching community group that I could host and set the tone for. I always aimed for it to be a helpful group (which it very much is, thanks to the lovely members). It was also important for me to embrace any variations and personal touches people wanted to add to what I was offering. I love seeing the variety of colour palettes and the members’ creativity.
Do you have a favorite design?
It might have to be ‘For the Love of Blackwork Embroidery.’ It’s a kind of love letter from me to Blackwork embroidery.
You generously gifted your Blackwork Honeycomb Needlebook design to EGA, and it has quickly become a very popular project in the community. Why did you choose this particular design, and what inspired it?
I chose this design because the small hexagonal sections allowed me to showcase a number of fills and then add in some cute bees! Bee-themed pieces seem to be ever-popular, so I hoped it might appeal to a wide audience.
Do you have any advice for those who are new to Blackwork embroidery?
Maybe read some basic Blackwork instructions (I have some on my website).
Then, I’d recommend starting with some small blocks on scraps of fabric, to get the feel of it. Just choose patterns that appeal to you (I started using the amazing Kim Salazar’s free downloads you can find on her ‘String or Nothing’ website; she has 3 free downloadable books containing wonderful collections of fills for personal use. I also have several free charts over on my website if you feel confident enough to give a little design a go!
Where can interested Blackwork stitchers follow you for more information and inspiration?
Free year-long stitch-a-long Facebook Group
(You can also join in the stitch-a-long via my website)
The Steady Thread – Modern Blackwork Embroidery Facebook group
The Steady Thread on Instagram
The Steady Thread Website
