Up the Garden Path - blackwork band sampler part 2

Welcome to our blackwork band sampler part 2. You will find part 1 here.

The complete design is 65 stitches wide by 81 stitches high. On 14 count Aida this will measure 4.6 x 5.8 inches.

You will need:

* White Aida 14 or 28 count evenweave, 8.5 x 10 inches * DMC 310 black stranded cotton (or a colour of your choice) * DMC 5828 gold metallic thread (this comes in a skein like the stranded cotton) * 14 gold seed beads and beading needle (not needed until row 4) * size 24 or 26 tapestry needle * and an embroidery hoop if you like to use one

Printing the chart

The first step is to download the chart for the second row of this blackwork band sampler.

You will need Adobe Reader (the latest version is recommended) installed on your computer in order to open and read the chart. You can get Adobe Reader here (a new window will open so you can download without leaving this page).

If you want to open the file in your browser window, you can just click on the link. However, if you want to download the file to view later, then right click on the link and choose "Save Target As" or "Save File As." Then select where you want to save the file on your hard drive.

Once you have saved the file, locate where you saved it, and double click to open.

In order to print, open the downloaded file, and select the "Print" option from the menu

Stitching the butterfly row - 1st journey

I have included the previous row in the chart so as you can count and position the second row correctly.

For the time being ignore the orange lines on the chart which will be the butterflies' antenna. Using a single strands of black (DMC 310) stranded cotton follow the diagram below for the first journey. This band is actually easier than the first row. At workshops where I have taught this design some students have made the mistake of assumming the gaps between the wings are equal along the row. Be aware that there are 6 then 2 stitches between the wings that drop below the centre line.

Start at the green dot and work the stitches coloured blue on the diagram across the row. The stitches at the right hand end of the diagram, with the yellow box behind them, are a repeat of the beginning of the row. Continue to the end of the band. Return along the row working the stitches coloured pink on the diagram. This completes the lower wings.

Stitching the butterfly row - 2nd journey

Now we will move onto the top wings. Note that there are sections between the butterflies with a thicker line. This is shown on the diagram below by blue and pink coloured stitches above black ones. The purpose of this is to show that in these positions you will re-stitch on top of existing stitches during this second part of the row.

As before work the blue stitches across the row forming the basis of the upper wings. Return, to complete the row following the pink coloured stitches.

The butterfly antenna

The antenna look attractive if you use the gold metallic thread. Again use 1 strand and tuck the thread behind the black stitches to move from one butterfly to the next. Try not to carry the metallic across the open areas if possible as it could catch and also may show through the fabric.

Next time

In the next issue of the ezine we will work the ivy leaf band. I look forward to sharing this row with you.

Get in touch

If you are stitching along with me, please feel free to get in touch and let me know how you are getting on.