Tips for stitching blackwork fill patterns

Is it the intricate looking fill patterns that make a blackwork kit appealing to you? Are you hesitant to try this type of embroidery because they look so complex?

Let me reassure you that they really aren't as difficult to stitch as you might think. Like everything in life if you have a plan to work to, things get a lot easier! I am going to share my plans with you over the next few pages and you will find that following a logical journey through the pattern makes it simple to stitch.

Rather than jumping in with both feet take time to study a pattern before you start stitching it. Work out where the vertical, horizontal and diagonal lines go. See if there are any isolated stitches which can't be worked at the same time as the rest of the pattern. A little planning goes a long way to making blackwork simple and relaxing to stitch.

My plans show you how to work the patterns in double running stitch but you could also use back stitch if you prefer.

Over the coming months I will build you a library of fill patterns with their journey plans. We will call it the . . .

Blackwork Pattern Library

The links below will take you to pages where we explore and practise various blackwork patterns. Diagrams will show you where to place the stitches on the first "journey" and how to fill in the gaps on the way back. Some patterns will look exactly the same on the back if stitched this way, others may have a slightly different reverse side.

Arrows and Diamonds
Paper Boats

compensating-stitches (3K)

Compensating stitches

Sometimes you reach the outline of a shape and cannot complete a whole repeat of the fill pattern. Don't worry. Just stitch as far as you can and then return along the row.

The part patterns use what we call compensating stitches. You can see them inside the outlines of the little owl design left.

It is best to start stitching across the widest or longest part of a design so that you can get into a rhythm before reaching an outline that disrupts the pattern. I frequently leave these compensating stitches until later, preferring to continue the pattern sequence without interruption.

Tip: Where your fill pattern touches the outline carefully maneuver the point of the needle around to enable you to keep the pattern inside where it belongs. If you inadvertently bring the needle up on the outside it may pull the outline out of shape.

Blackwork pattern and tone

As most blackwork tends to be monochromatic, tonal contrast is essential. Using the right tones can make or break a design.

You could compare blackwork with a pen and ink drawing, where tones are built up with lines and cross-hatching. The darkest areas of a drawing may even be solidly inked in; an effect that can be imitated in a blackwork design by using cross stitch. The lightest areas, by comparison, can be left completely empty.

Generally if the stitches in a pattern are close together it will appear darker than one where the stitches are spaced apart.

Some patterns need to be used in a large area for the full effect to be seen whilst others would take a long time to stitch if used for anything other than a small section of a design. You will find more information on choosing the right pattern in my Blackwork for beginners ebook.

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Thank you for your blackwork e-book

I purchased your e-book as soon as I got the e-mail announcing it.

Thank you. It is terrific !! and electronic delivery is so easy to use.

Ellyn in Manhattan

Thank you

I've recently decided to explore blackwork which is very appealing to me. Your tips and explanations have been very helpful getting me started and I'm so glad I've discovered your site.

Thank you for the excellent work that you are doing. I look forward to visiting your site often.

Melissa Kurtz,

Blackwork samplers

Create a pretty pillow while trying lots of blackwork fill patterns.