According to experts, monochrome embroidery originated in ancient Egypt. Then it was forgotten for many centuries, revived for a while, and again became popular. Now this type of fine needlework is experiencing another surge in popularity.
The main feature of monochrome cross stitching is exquisite simplicity. The technique of its production involves the use of two contrasting colors, most often black and white, one of which is the color of the base, the second is the pattern itself. In more complex works, several shades of the same color are used, which gives the work a special expressiveness and creates rich tint or contour images.
There are several main types of monochrome embroidery - contour, black and monochrome embroidery itself. Each of these techniques has its own characteristics and subtleties, each has its own unique charm. They are carried out according to schemes and the work requires attention, because despite the apparent simplicity, it should be ideal. In multi-color embroidery, small flaws can remain invisible, in monochrome, every moment is important.
Contour embroidery
Contour embroidery is performed using the “counted cross” technique and allows you to create especially graceful and weightless patterns. They convey only the contours of objects circling in the dance of couples, imitate the finest lace, gothic font, etc.
Outline embroidery resembles a pencil sketch, a hint of some understatement that gives imagination work. Only two colors are used here, black and white, and the distribution of colors is not important - white lines on a black background and black on white are equally interesting.
Black embroidery
Blackwork, or black embroidery, is also done using two colors - black and white, but it is more complex and requires more skill and patience. It is carried out with a stitch "back to the needle", with black threads on a white canvas. The stitches are applied in rows, strictly following the selected pattern, which results in a subtle, unique pattern.
Monochrome embroidery
This style is the most difficult and requires a lot of needle skills. The painting is performed using the usual cross-stitch technique. The canvas is embroidered completely, there are no empty sections of the canvas, and the threads for the work are used in several tones of the same color. This style allows you to create complex, detailed paintings that resemble black and white photography or sepia.
Monochrome embroidery is a huge field for creativity, allowing you to experiment with colors, tones and halftones, creating unique paintings in this technique that convey the whole gamut of feelings and moods better than multicolor embroidery.
The monochrome embroidery technique is not easy. However, not a single craftswoman will be able to resist replenishing the collection of her works with exquisitely simple outline drawings, rich and elegant ornaments of black embroidery and complex, expressive paintings in a monochrome style.
