Your first FREE blackwork pattern

Or perhaps you are looking for something more advanced? If so my free pears design which uses shading may be what you are looking for.

You will more information in my blackwork e-book that takes you step-by-step through the process and includes 8 projects to get you going.

Or would you like to browse my range of blackwork kits and charts?

What will you need?

• 6 inch square of 14 count Aida fabric (or evenweave if you prefer)
• size 24 tapestry needle
• Embroidery floss - colour of your choice (it doesn't have to be black)
• This page printed so you can go sit somewhere comfortable to stitch

Let's get started!

We will use a single strand of cotton throughout. If you always have trouble separating strands check my mini video for a quick, easy way to do it.

If you look at the chart, below, you will see that this pattern is made up of four repeating corner motifs. The top left has different coloured lines and arrows on it which will help you follow the correct "journey", resulting in a reversible piece of work. Please do not try to use a different colour for each journey, they are there just to act as a guide.

We are going to use double running stitch for this design.

Find the centre of your fabric by folding it in half, both ways, and lightly creasing the centre. If you wish, place your fabric in an embroidery hoop.

Begin your thread by tying a knot in the end, then pass the needle through from the front of the work up in a corner somewhere out of the way. Bring it back through in position to start stitching at the blue dot (5 fabric threads up and to the left of the centre) on the chart. We will cut this knot off later, when we have some stitches in place in which to anchor the loose thread.

Take your first stitch, over one fabric thread or block, in the direction of the blue arrow (vertically down), then work the following two "blue" stitches. Bring the needle out one hole to the left and using the green lines on the chart as a guide work back towards the blue dot, filling in the gaps you left earlier.

In the same manner create the mirror image in the direction of the black arrow. You should end up one hole away from the blue dot.

Work the blue diagonal stitch then branch off, again following the blue coloured stitches and arrow on the chart. Return using the green stitches to end up at the centre line of the motif again. Repeat as before to stitch the bottom left section of the design.

Travel up the stem to the bottom of the leaf, this time following the purple lines and arrows. Work your way around the outside of the leaf in a counter clockwise direction. Make the return journey filling in the gaps to create a solid leaf outline.

Work each vein in turn moving away from the central vein, then back again. Finally bring the thread back down to the blue dot and fill in the gaps off the main diagonal leaf vein.

Turn your chart one quarter turn and to work the next corner of the your free blackwork pattern.

I hope you have enjoyed stitching Harvest Time. Are you ready to move on and learn some blackwork fill patterns?

More free blackwork charts

Follow the step by step instructions and make this pretty blackwork coaster.

Congratulations

Thank you. I now feel more confident.

Sue Gordon, France

Blackwork starter kits

Choose a blackwork starter kit from this cute little owl, a rocking horse or a rabbit

Thank you for your blackwork e-book

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

Ellyn in Manhattan

I'm very impressed!

I will keep coming back to your site and reading and hope that it will all become clear to me.

Dorothy in the UK

Your charts are wonderful

L. Cochrane, West Sussex

Great service

You can certainly add my name to those complimenting you on your charts - wonderfully clear.

J. Monk, Shropshire