Pattern Darning is quick and easy

When working traditional darning, threads are taken across the hole and then, working at a 90 degree angle, the needle is woven under then over these threads to form a new fabric.

In pattern darning we are using the stitches as decoration rather than for mending purposes. The number of threads we weave over and under can vary, which leads to patterns forming. The darned lines are generally run parallel to each other.

I thought a good way to introduce you to pattern darning would be to add a border to an adaptation of our free blackwork pattern. You will notice that I have added a central motif and moved the leaves further apart.

Print the chart for this complete design before we start work.

You will need Adobe Reader (the latest version is recommended) installed on your computer in order to open and read this 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, select the "Print" option from the menu.

What will I need?

• Aida 14 or 28 count evenweave 9.5" square (this gives about 3" spare on each side)
• Your choice of thread (see note below)
• size 24 or 26 tapestry needle

How do I stitch pattern darning?

The diagram, left, shows the pattern we have used stitch by stitch. Start by working the short stitches over 1 fabric block (or 2 fabric threads if working on evenweave) leaving two fabric threads in between. The next row starts with stitch 11-12 working in the opposite direction. Each stitch is worked over three fabric blocks with 3 blocks left in between. Use 5 blocks for the third row and a gap of one.

In order to fit the pattern into the outside shape required (shown by the dotted lines top and bottom on the diagram) sometimes you will need to make compensating stitches as shown in pink. These are part stitches which cannot go over the full number of threads needed for the pattern as they would then "escape" out of the shape. Make the stitch cover as many threads as it can to reach the outline.

This design uses one arrangement of stitches to produce a diamond pattern. There are many more pattern darning variations possible to give stripes, squares, wavy lines etc. Experiment and have fun!

For other basic embroidery stitches check out the Stitch Index.

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Use this technique in a design

This pretty sunflower is part of the Weekenders range.

Thanks Carol

Jackie Campbell, UK

Excellent!

J Smart, West Midlands

If you don't mind

Thank you for so much information, explantions, diagrams, etc. and sharing your clients comments.

I shall use you often if you don't mind.

Elizabeth from the USA